Basic NET Training Standard Syllabus

Basic NET training is the fundamental curriculum for all active and indemnified NET volunteers. Basic NET training conforms to standards of Basic CERT Training and goes beyond by adding elements typically not found in Basic CERT (see Differences Between NET and CERT Training). The purpose of this article is to shape expectations for Applicants to the Portland NET program. Applicants are not required to read all of this article, but PBEM recommends doing so.

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Basic NET Class Goals

In Basic NET training, you will learn how to provide emergency disaster assistance in your community when first responders (such as Police or Fire) are not immediately available. Basic NET training will also prepare the way for you to take some of the advanced training offered by PBEM should you like to build on your preparedness and response skills.

Basic NET is not a class for persons interested only in disaster preparedness. By taking Basic NET training, we expect that you will serve on your neighborhood team for twelve hours each calendar year.

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Basic NET Training Structure

Section Importance: Supplemental

Each Basic NET class is run by a Coordinating Instructor; typically, this person works for PBEM and can be reached by emailing net@portlandoregon.gov.

The Coordinating Instructor for your Basic NET class will send you location and schedule details specific for your class; they do not appear here.

A few class fundamentals are consistent for all Basic NET classes. Those fundamentals include:

• Leading with equity and inclusion when carrying out class logistics.
• Ensuring income is not a barrier to participation.
• Designing class activities to stimulate many learning styles, with a preference for hands-on learning.
• Instruction from vetted and knowledgeable instructors.
• Evading the tyranny of slideshare instruction whenever possible, though it is at times a necessary evil.
• Vigilance concerning the physical safety of Trainees.
• Creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all class participants.

Other class structural elements are variable. Those elements include:

• Frequency: PBEM will put on a Basic NET class as staff resources allow. PBEM typically puts on at least three classes each year.
• Duration: Basic NET is about 28 class hours total, including the Final Field Exercise (FFE). The class duration is sometimes shortened to 25 hours.
• Location: PBEM can hold lecture portions of Basic NET at any venue that will safely and comfortably seat the entire class and has (or can accommodate) a screen and projector. Field exercises almost always take place at Portland Fire & Rescue's training campus.
• Schedule: Schedule depends on number of Trainees and the best schedule for the greatest number of them. The most common schedule is to break up the 28 class hours over three long weekend days. PBEM can also do training three hours one day a week for about ten weeks.
• Class size: Training cohort size typically runs between 20 and 50 Trainees, though PBEM might train more than one cohort at the same time in different classroom areas.
• Coffee: Sometimes the trainers bring coffee, sometimes they do not. Trainees who require coffee to function should bring their own just in case.
• Childcare: PBEM acknowledges that childcare is required for many parents to participate in Basic NET. Professional and cost-free childcare services will be provided on a case by case basis.
• Language: PBEM can provide Basic NET training in languages other than English, or provide an interpreter in an English class.

Please note that PBEM generally does not provide meals during training.

Basic NET Class Format and Expectations

Section Importance: Supplemental

Much of the training will take place in a classroom with several hands on exercises. PBEM recommends Trainees dress in comfortable clothing that you can be active in. The last session in the Final Field Exercise (FFE). It will be outdoors and very hands-on. Please dress for the weather.

Missing a class

PBEM can only certify you as a NET if you complete all Basic training units. If you miss a day of class, there will be makeup opportunities that your Coordinating Instructor will inform you of. Should you not sign up for Basic NET if you know you will have a prior commitment for one of the class periods? No, you should sign up for the class series and take a makeup class later.

Class conduct

• Trainees are encouraged to bring snacks (preferably quiet ones) and drinks to stay hydrated, energetic, and engaged through the training.
• Trainees will be released for a lunch break on longer training days.
• Questions during class are both expected and welcome. However, since instructors are quite accommodating, it has happened that too many questions hijack the main class lecture and classes run late. Therefore, out of courtesy for your training cohort and the instructors, be judicious in what questions you ask and send an email if you have many questions.
• Though in Trainee status, a Trainee is subject to the NET Code of Conduct. Inappropriately disrespectful or disruptive Trainees will receive instruction to pound sand and seldom be thought of again.

CERT Textbook

The CERT Basic Training Participant Manual is the standard textbook for Basic NET training.