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 and Trainees in the Portland NET program.
There is a lot of information here; though PBEM recommends reading all of it, a Trainee reading only the sections marked Essential will do fine. Particular attention should be paid to any sentence in yellow highlight.
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Basic NET Class Goals
| Section Importance: Essential |
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 address and accommodate different 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 for 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. Nobody will judge you if you wheel in an IV drip of Stumptown.
- 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.
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Basic NET Class Format and Expectations
| Section Importance: Essential |
Much of the training will take place in a classroom with several hands on exercises. PBEM recommends Trainees dress in comfortable clothing you can move around in. The last session is 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
- We are guests at every classroom and training site we borrow. Please help ensure we can get invited back by keeping your area tidy and disposing of trash appropriately.
- Always sign in to each class. If you don't sign in, you were not there.
- 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, be yeeted from the classroom, and seldom thought of again.
CERT Textbook
The CERT Basic Training Participant Manual is the textbook for Basic NET training. Trainees may have a free loose-leaf hard copy of the textbook on the first day of class by request, but PBEM recommends using an electronic copy where possible. Either way, a Trainee should never pay for the textbook; there are scammers out there who will try to charge for a copy.
Portland NET Guidelines
The NET Guidelines serve as the NET program "blueprint" and will help Trainees understand how PBEM runs the NET program, expectations volunteers should have of the City of Portland, and expectations PBEM has of volunteers. With the exception of sections concerning NET Operations, the NET Guidelines are not required reading for Basic NET Trainees.
The NET Guidelines are only available electronically; PBEM does not distribute hard copies.
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Basic NET Class Required Homework
| Section Importance: Essential |
All Trainees have required tasks to complete before they take the Final Field Exercise (FFE).
Pass the Unit 8 quiz on CERT and Terrorism
Unit 8 (CERT and Terrorism) is not delivered in the classroom. Instead, Trainees will complete that unit by reading, watching a video, and passing a quiz on the material. On or before the first day of class, you will receive information on how to complete the Unit 8 quiz, and it must be done before your FFE date.
Contact your Team Leader and introduce yourself
To learn how to do this, please visit the page on Finding Your Team. You should also review your team's Operations Plan if one is written.
Log your hours
To learn how to do this, please visit the page on the NET Minimum Service Contribution.
Learn how to use the Damage Assessment Mapping Module (DAMM)
All Trainees with smartphones should download the DAMM and learn how to use it. Visit the DAMM page to learn more.
Complete a criminal background check
Just before the FFE, you will be asked to complete a criminal background check so we can confirm your eligibility to activate you as a NET volunteer. You will receive an email with instructions to complete this step as the date of the FFE gets closer. If you plan to become a Active NET volunteer, complete the background check instructions as given. Please visit the page on information about our background check process and policies if you would like more details.
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Equipment: NET Basic Response Packs
| Section Importance: Essential |
In order to graduate from Basic NET, Trainees are required to present their own Basic Response Packs at the FFE. A stocked response kit mitigates the hazards encountered by a NET volunteer during a deployment. When called on to deploy to an emergency, you would take your NET kit with you to ensure you can respond effectively. At minimum, a kit should include all items listed in this section.
Volunteers who can should purchase their own packs. However, PBEM will provide a pack or pieces to complete a pack for any Trainee unable to easily afford equipment.
NET Trainees often find they can construct most of their kit from items around the home, and simply buy the few pieces they do not already possess. The one highly specialized item in the kit is the 4-in-1 tool (see below for details).
Equipment provided by PBEM
Required equipment includes a NET hard hat, vest, and ID with lanyard. However, PBEM will provide those items and Trainees should not purchase them.
As resources permit PBEM will also provide all Trainees with a Field Operating Guide (FOG) and hard hat chinstraps.
Basic Response Packs: Minimum Required Equipment Items
A Basic Response Pack minimally acceptable for the FFE includes the items listed in the table below. Do not take the photos as anything but examples; for example, we use a Leatherman multitool for the "cutting tool" entry, but you don't need to buy anything that nice.
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack, 1,200 in3 or larger | 
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Red with NET branding preferred but not required. We have one NET volunteer out there with a Hello Kitty response pack and it was fine. |
| Protective hard hat | 
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Red with NET branding is required. Provided by PBEM, should be replaced every five years. |
| Reflective vest | 
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Red/orange with NET branding required. Provided by PBEM. Must meet ANSI Class 2 standards. |
| NET ID and lanyard | 
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Provided by PBEM. |
| Safety goggles | 
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| N95 masks (qty.2) | 
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P100 or a respirator can be substituted, though P100s are difficult to breathe in. |
| 4-in-1 tool |  |
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| Duct tape (1 roll) | 
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| LED flashlight | 
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| Prybar, 15" | 
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| Cutting tool | 
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Pocketknife or multitool. |
| Nylon cord, ⅛" 100' roll | 
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| Tough gloves | 
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| Note pad and writing instrument | 
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| Whistle | 
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Recommend whistles with a lanyard. |
| AM/FM radio | 
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| Kneepads | 
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| First aid kit | 
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| FRS/GMRS radio |  |
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| Spare batteries | 
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Rechargeable NiMH batteries (such as Eneloop) are recommended if available in the volunteer's price range. |
Whole kit purchases and kit pieces
Trainees can purchase a whole kit from vendors, though they often have CERT branding instead of NET branding (NET branding for any kit is nice but not required). If you wish to buy a whole kit instead of pieces, the vendors on the list below can accommodate you and any of the kits on the the list is enough (or more than enough) for your FFE. PBEM recommends ordering no less than ten days before an FFE to make sure your equipment arrives on time.
| DISCLAIMER: Any reference obtained from this website to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply endorsement by PBEM or the City of Portland of the product, process, or service, or its producer or provider. Nor is PBEM or the City of Portland responsible for the fitness or quality of any product purchased from any vendor referenced on this website. Buyer beware. PBEM does, however, recommend inspecting the quality of all disaster response supplies and even stress testing them in a controlled environment when and if appropriate. |
| Vendor | Kit/Link | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PrepareSmart | Basic NET Kit | $102.35† | The only basic kit with NET branding. PrepareSmart also has coupon codes you can use at checkout. "NETCLASS" will get you 10% off the price and free delivery to Portland Fire & Rescue Training. If you don't want the kit delivered to Portland Fire & Rescue Training, use coupon code "NET" for the 10% discount alone. |
| PrepareSmart | Standard NET Kit | $194.00† | Includes all in the Basic Kit, and more. PrepareSmart also has coupon codes you can use at checkout. "NETCLASS" will get you 10% off the price and free delivery to Portland Fire & Rescue Training. If you don't want the kit delivered to Portland Fire & Rescue Training, use coupon code "NET" for the 10% discount alone. |
| †Prices last checked September of 2022; price does not include NET discount. | |||
| Vendor | Notes |
|---|---|
| EmergencyKits.com | Online ordering only. |
| Emergency Disaster Systems | Online ordering only. |
| Fire Supply Depot | Online ordering only. |
| PrepareSmart | Only vendor with NET branded supplies. Online ordering only. PrepareSmart also has coupon codes you can use at checkout. "NETCLASS" will get you 10% off the price and free delivery to Portland Fire & Rescue Training. If you don't want the kit delivered to Portland Fire & Rescue Training, use coupon code "NET" for the 10% discount alone. |
| ProPac | Online ordering only. |
| Portland Earthquake Kits | Locally owned in Portland. Online ordering only. |
| SOS Survival Products | Online ordering only. |
Trainees can also find kit items at hardware stores. For Trainees who prefer locally owned stores, there are many options!
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The Final Field Exercise (FFE)
| Section Importance: Supplemental |
The FFE is the practicum part of your basic training. The FFE will take place at the Portland Fire & Rescue Training campus, 4800 NE 122nd.
For the day of your FFE, please check the forecast and dress for the weather! Much of the FFE takes place outdoors, rain or shine. If it is forecast to rain and you don't have a rain jacket, at least buy a cheap dollar-store poncho. Getting stuck in the rain during your FFE is a one-trip ticket to Miserytown.
If you would like to view pictures and videos of past FFEs to see what an FFE entails, please visit: https://portlandnet.tumblr.com/tagged/FFE
A map of the training campus appears below. Click HERE to enlarge the image.
| Area | Use | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Training Area A | During an FFE, this area reserved for the fire suppression station. |
| B | Training Area B | During an FFE, this area reserved for the cribbing station. |
| C | Blue Shed | During an FFE, this is the area reserved for the triage station. |
| D | Tower | During an FFE, this is the area reserved for the search station. |
| 1 | Main Classroom | |
| 2 | Modular Classroom | |
| 3 | Training Academy (TAC) | |
| 4 | NET Conex | |
| 5 | Search House | |
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The FFE lasts approximately three and a half to four hours, depending on schedule. The Trainee cohort is split into four groups and those groups cycle through each of the four FFE stations.
Fire Suppression and Utilities Shutoff Station
At this station, Trainees will use dry chem ABC fire extinguishers to put out a large fire on a burn pan. Trainees should be ready to use the PASS method. Instructor will also review shutting off a water main. Usually held at Training Area A.
Cribbing Station
Trainees will safely extricate an exercise dummy from underneath a one-ton (or larger) concrete slab using wrecking bars and cribbing blocks. Scene sizeup is also important for this station. Usually held at Training Area B.
Triage Station
In the Blue Shed, survivor actors in moulage need to be triaged and removed from the building.
Search Station
Instructor will cover building markings, scene sizeup, and interior search patterns to locate survivors in the building. Trainees will want to have their flashlights ready.
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Basic NET Class Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Section Importance: Supplemental |
Q: I am a person with a disability. Can I still participate in Basic NET training?
A: Yes; you are encouraged to participate and become an Active NET volunteer. Everyone has a role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. On average, 12% of all NET volunteers self-identify as a person with a physical or cognitive disability. Please see the page on participation for persons with disabilities for more detail.
Q: I have a conviction on my background check. Can I still participate in Basic NET training?
A: Yes. Except for persons who are an active menace, anyone can participate in NET training. The criminal background check is conducted to determine if you can become an Active NET volunteer after you complete the training. Having an offense on record also does not necessarily exclude a person from becoming an Active NET volunteer; it depends on the offense and how long ago it took place. Please review PBEM's policy on criminal background checks for more detail.
Q: What is my class schedule and where is the class?
A: Your Coordinating Instructor will send that information to you via email. That information does not appear on this page.
Q: Can I skip a class unit if I already have training in the subject?
A: No. Even if you are highly trained in, say medical treatment for example, it is still important for you to learn about how NET volunteers approach the topic. Otherwise, you might get in a response situation and not understand why your teammates approach problems the way they do. This causes confusion in the team a rapid breakdown of team aptitude.
Q: Can I begin logging my NET volunteer hours now?
A: Yes; you have an active profile in the database. For information on how to log hours, please visit the page for the NET Minimum Service Contribution.
Q: If I do not complete the prerequisites before class, should I drop out of the class?
A: No. You should complete them as soon as you can, but do not drop out of class for that reason.
Q: If I miss a day of class, or know I'll miss a day of class, should I drop out of the class?
A: No. Take the classes you can and make up the ones you missed when you have a makeup opportunity. Note that you will not graduate and be activated as a NET, however, until you have completed all class units.
Q: I ordered an equipment pack to be delivered to the training station. When can I get it?
A: If you ordered from PrepareSmart, the vendor times delivery with the first day of the FFE. You can pick up your pack then. If you had to drop out of the FFE and need to arrange to get it some other way, you'll want to make arrangements by emailing net@portlandoregon.gov.
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Basic NET Class Program History
| Section Importance: Supplemental |
TBA