you graduated, now what...?
Responding (Bring your NERT ID)
Neighborhood Level
Congratulations! You are an Emergency Response Team member. Please check out the neighborhood teams page and get involved in your local team activities. (Don't have a team? Contact sffdnert@sfgov.org to find out how to start one.)
Check out the classes and drills below to keep up your skills and involvement in NERT. Become familiar with the response plan in the NERT Field Operations Guide (FOG). Should a disaster occur, your team will be better equipped to respond.
In addition, consider registering with the NERT Medical Reserve Corps Group (MRC).
Regional/State Responder
You must be active in your local neighborhood team and keep your training and identification current. In addition, you must register with the NERT Medical Reserve Corps Group (MRC). [Additional training and registration procedures are required.]
ID Expired?
NERT certification is good for two years from the date of your training. You can renew your NERT training/ID at any NERT training location. Attend the 5th session (covering NERT response) and the 6th and final hands on session that includes a review of the take home exam. If you choose a "two day intensive" class, class 5 begins by 11am on the second day of the training class.
Go to the SCHEDULE to find a location. Click "Enroll" next to the class of your choice to sign up for a RECERT ticket for the class. If the class is full you may add your name to the waitlist. You should also sign up for a location with available RECERT spaces.
The ID machine was updated in 2007. If you have a white ID card, you will need to take a new photo during the 5th session. Please indicate this in your email.
If you don't see a class that fits your schedule, please check back. The schedule is updated whenever a new class is confirmed.
Classes (Bring your NERT ID)
See Calendar for dates and times
NERT HAM Communications Team(HCT) Training (HCT 101-103)
You got your license, now what? Introductory class designed for both newly licensed operators and those planning to get licensed to learn the rules of HAM communication, equipment options, and HAM messaging at this one day training.
- General Information for new hams
- Radio Bands, frequencies and equipment
- Procedures and protocols
- Transmitting and receiving messages
- Repeaters and simplex use
- NERT HCT communicator responsibilities
- Emergency messaging
- Staging area protocols
HCT buttons and Knobs (HCT 301-303)
"Dials and buttons and squelch, oh my!" These workshops offer hands-on practice with "Elmers" for HAM operators that have training but need more experience. You must have a license, have completed HCT101 or have approval to take this class.
- NERT message form and message log
- Sending and receiving messages
- Programming your radio
- Using your radio
- Antennas and connectors
- SWR and Wave propagation
Disaster Operations I
Classroom instruction that brings together all aspects of the NERT response from basic skills to Incident Command and puts them in a unified view of how to manage the disaster. The all day class includes a review of the NERT Field Operations Guide.
- SF Emergency Operations Planning
- Incident Command in the Staging Area
- NERT Command staff and Staging Area Operations
- Setting up the staging area
- Field Operations
- Creating the Team Response Plan
Disaster Operations II
Prerequisite: Disaster Operations I
This class focuses on incident handling, information flow and operational planning. A major component is understanding and using NERT forms to gather information, plan response and take action safely.
Incident Command System (ICS)
This is the official management tool necessary to set up command and respond from the NERT Staging Area to the Battalion ERD. This is the official ICS class. The information taught in this class is the foundation for using this management tool in a NERT response. This class is offered for NERT graduates only on an as needed basis.
NERT Coordinator Leadership/Team Training
This is designed for new coordinators or NERT grads whoare interested in taking a more active role in your neighborhood team. All teams are looking for Block Captains. Training includes:
- Coordinator basics: expectations and rules
- Starting/Organizing your team
- Developing the team
- Effective meetings
- Outreach
- Including challenged persons
- Leading tabletop drills
- Disaster operations/Communications
Drills
Citywide Drills
Citywide Drill - Spring
Neighborhood Drills - Fall
Rescue Drill ** (space limited)
Participation with program coordinators approval. This training requires good physical condition and strength.
Ham Communications/Staging Drill
In class 5 you learned the basics of the NERT reaponse. This drill is an opportunity to expand on the class and put the skills to test in this staging area drill. The drill focuses on practicing the ICS roles, incident management and the flow of communication in the staging area and out to the Battalion Stations. Dress appropriately in your NERT response gear, safety shoes and plan for the weather.
**Contact sffdnert@sfgov.org for more information.
Non-NERT Training
HAM Radio Operator Licensing Classes:
San Francisco Auxiliary Communications Service
(click on the 'Exams and Training' link)
BAERS Exams and training
The National Association for Amateur Radio
(select exam location by country, state or zip code)
C.P.R. Classes:
American Red Cross- Bay Area Chapter
(find 'services' to see their list of training)
San Francisco Paramedic Association
(see Basic Life Support Heartsaver classes)
