BEFORE YOU BEGIN … OEM Communications is committed to providing emergency communications services for the Pima County Office of Emergency Management. This is serious stuff, and if you truly want to learn about and to be a part of emergency response, you need to have a basic understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
This is why we require, at a minimum, that you complete the four FEMA ISP (Independent Study Program) courses that give you the basics in these areas before you can apply for membership. The courses are online, and you can take them at your own pace. Each time you pass an exam, you are given the opportunity to request a PDF certificate of completion. Copies of these PDFs can be e-mailed to the Office of Emergency Management with your application for membership. FEMA Independent Study is the home page for the Independent Study (IS) courses. Use the course code search box found on that page to search for the IS courses, or click on the links below.
1) Independent Study courses you need to complete:
IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
IS-700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction
Prior versions of the IS courses will also be accepted.
2) Submit a membership application along with your IS certificates.
A. Download the Membership Application form
B. Fill it out.
C. EITHER: Print a copy and hand it to a member of the OEM staff (with printed copies of the IS certificates).
OR D. Save a copy on your computer, and then attach it, along with your IS certificates to an e-mail to OEM.
Download and install Adobe Reader here if you need it.
3) You need to affiliate with at least one OEM Comm Unit (Base Team, Home Stations Team, Hospitals Team or Mobile Team).
A member may be on multiple teams.
4) Sign up for the OEM Comm E-mail distribution list
To sign up for the e-mail distribution list, send an email to OEM listing your call sign and why you would like to be on the email list (if you are not a member or are becoming a member). All badged members should already be on the list. If you are not receiving the monthly meeting notification emails, please let OEM know.
5) Participate in an in-person meet and greet with the Office of Emergency Management Technical Communications Manager
This is a very informal meeting to get to know you, and explain more of what we do as a group.
6) Have your photo taken for your OEM Comm badge
Your photo will be taken by an OEM staff member at the PECOC building, typically before or after a monthly meeting.
7) Requirements to remain a member in good standing:
A. Participate in at least one event or exercise per year OR Serve as a Net Control Station (NCS) at least once per year OR Check in to a VHF and/or HF net at least twice per year
B. Attend at least two meetings per year
C. If you anticipate operating an OEM vehicle or driving your own on OEM Comm business, complete the requirements for Pima County Driver Authorization