Basic NET Training Standard Syllabus
| Tribal acknowledgement: We acknowledge that Portland NET trains, operates, and assembles on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other indigenous nations of the Columbia River. We honor the rich history, culture, and resilience of the indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for thousands of years. We recognize that their connection to this land continues to this day, and we express our gratitude for their ongoing presence and contributions. |
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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Qualifying for Basic NET Training (BNT)
Free Basic NET Training is open to all program Applicants who live, work, or otherwise spend significant time in Portland.
If you are uncertain whether or not you have applied to become a NET: Do you receive our regular PBEM Volunteer Bulletin emails? If yes, you have already applied. If not, see Step 1 here.
After completing Step 1 you are officially an Applicant. Your next step is to watch the Online Preparedness videos and pass a 25-question Quiz, as described in Step 2 here. After that, simply wait for PBEM to automatically notify you when BNT cohorts are scheduled. Simple!
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 if you wish 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 a minimum of 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 approximately one week in advance; 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 26 hours total. Two hours online, plus 24 hours in person including the Final Field Exercise (FFE).
- 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 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 30 and 80 Trainees, though PBEM might train more than one cohort at the same time in different classroom areas.
- Childcare: PBEM acknowledges that childcare is required for many parents to participate in Basic NET. Reimbursement for childcare is available through our partner Politisit. Please see the Childcare page.
- Language: PBEM can provide Basic NET training in languages other than English, or provide an interpreter in an English class with advance notice.
- Coffee: Usually the trainers bring coffee, sometimes they do not. Either way you will be told in advance. If you want to play it safe, nobody will judge you if you wheel in an IV drip of Stumptown.
- Food: PBEM generally does not provide meals during training, so please plan ahead. Usually we take two 30-minute breaks on the classroom days.
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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, your Coordinating Instructor will inform you of makeup opportunities. Trainees sometimes ask: Should I 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 in every classroom and training site we use. 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 do not sign in, you were not there.
- Trainees are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks (preferably quiet ones) and drinks to stay hydrated, energetic, and engaged through the training.
- Trainees will be released for breaks on training days longer than four hours.
- 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 to net@portlandoregon.gov 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.
- Please note that by its nature, Basic NET can involve Trainees touching each other, especially during the Medical units. If you are uncomfortable touching others, or being touched, you may opt out of those hands-on sections.
CERT Textbook
The CERT Basic Training Participant Manual is the textbook for Basic NET training. Trainees may receive a free loose-leaf hard copy of the textbook on the first day of class, 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 Guidelines are currently being updated, and migrated to the NET wiki.
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 in MyImpactPage, just like the Online Preparedness Quiz you passed in order to register for Basic Training. You must pass the Unit 8 quiz before your FFE date.
Contact your Team Leader and introduce yourself
To find your Team Leader's email address, please use the interactive Team Map. Also review your team's Operations Plan linked on that page, if one exists. You may begin attending Team Meetings as soon as you register for training; you are not required to wait until you finish.
Log your hours, including independent study, in-person training, and travel time to classes
To learn how to do this, please visit the page on the Volunteer Portal FAQ.
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: Basic NET 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.
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. Trainees can request this by simply emailing the Coordinating Instructor after beginning their classes.
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: Required Equipment Items
A Basic Response Pack minimally acceptable for the FFE includes the items listed in the table below. Rows in .orange highlight. are provided by PBEM and you should not purchase them.
Equipment illustrations by Hugh Newell.
| 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 because materials degrade over time especially with exposure to temperature extremes, e.g. in a car trunk. |
| 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 plastic 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 |  |
The more powerful GMRS option is recommended, which requires purchase of a ZA license from the FCC. No test is required for this license. PBEM cannot reimburse NETs for their GMRS licenses. Current models of recommended devices are discussed in class during Unit 9. |
| Spare batteries | 
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Rechargeable NiMH batteries 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 | $126.95† | 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 at your Final Field Exercise. If you want the kit delivered in advance to you instead, use coupon code "NET" for the 10% discount alone and pay for shipping. |
| PrepareSmart | Standard NET Kit | $228.95† | 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 at your Final Field Exercise. If you want the kit delivered in advance to you instead, use coupon code "NET" for the 10% discount alone and pay for shipping. |
| †Prices last checked April 2024. Prices do not include NET discount described in the next section. | |||
| 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 at your Final Field Exercise. If you want item(s) delivered in advance to you instead, use coupon code "NET" for the 10% discount alone and pay for shipping. |
| ProPac | 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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Equipment: Supplemental Pack Equipment
| Section Importance: Supplemental |
Over time, a NET volunteer will enhance and customize their own packs. For those who want to start on that early, PBEM recommends considering the items in the following list. These items are NOT required. Rows in orange highlight are provided by PBEM and you should not purchase them unless PBEM has no supply of them available.
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Hard hat chin straps | ||
| Field Operating Guide (FOG) | ||
| Heavy-duty 40 gallon plastic bags | ||
| Emergency blankets ("space blankets") | ||
| Water treatment tablets | ||
| Rain poncho | ||
| Light sticks | ||
| Earplugs (1 pair) | ||
| Voltage tick meter | ||
| Lumber crayon or grease pencil | ||
| Marking pen (permanent, black) | ||
| Emergency flares | ||
| Copies of ICS forms and clipboard | ||
| Synthetic webbing and carabiners | ||
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NET ID Pictures
You must have your photo taken for your official NET ID card. This is done by the Class Coordinator between classroom sessions.
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.
Closed toe shoes are required. Boots are better. Ceramic or steel toe boots are the best. (Sandals are acceptable only at Parks & Rec, not Fire & Rescue.)
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 | |
| 1 | Main Classroom | During an FFE, we assemble here in the morning, and return after completing the four field stations to debrief. |
| 2 | Annex | |
| 3 | Training Academy (TAC) | |
| 4 | NET Conex | |
| 5 | Search House | During an FFE, this is the area reserved for the search station. |
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The FFE lasts approximately four hours in the field, plus post-exercise debrief. 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 chemical 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 on the map. Goggles/eye protection are required here.
Cribbing and Extrication 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 on the map. Put on your gloves and kneepads!
Triage Station
In the Blue Shed, Area C, survivor actors in moulage need to be triaged and removed from the building. Have your flashlight ready.
Search Station
Instructor will cover building markings, scene sizeup, and interior search patterns to locate survivors either in Building 5 or Tower D. Trainees will want 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. If you think you should have received it by now, email net@portlandoregon.gov.
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 and a rapid breakdown of team aptitude.
Q: Can I begin logging my NET volunteer hours now?
A: Yes; you have an active profile in MIP. For information on how to log hours, please visit the page for the NET Minimum Service Contribution.
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 and a Final Field Exercise.
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 will need to make arrangements by emailing net@portlandoregon.gov.
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Basic NET Class Program History
| Section Importance: Supplemental |
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