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Communications: Roles, Trainings, and Certifications

The Communications Category is supported by the Communications Team.

Level

Roles

Functions

Trainings

Certifications

Household

Household member

  • Maintains basic emergency communication devices and chargers.

  • Makes a communications plan.

  • Subscribes to emergency alert apps.



Street

Communications Coordinator

  • Understands neighborhood communication protocols and backup systems.

  • Develops basic digital security awareness to avoid cyber threats during emergencies.

  • Communicates with Hubs about infrastructure damage, injuries, and needs.

  • Basic Training [20 hours] including communications module.

  • Basic technology literacy training (optional).

  • Radio communications basics (FRS/GMRS operation).

  • Emergency communications protocols training.

  • Annual refresher and drill.

FRS/GMRS radio license (recommended).

Neighborhood

Communications Team volunteer assigned to Disaster Hub

  • Deploy and maintain Hub communication systems (satellite internet, mesh wifi).

  • Provide technical support for Hub operations and community access.

  • Coordinate communications between street-level volunteers and Emergency Operations Center.

  • Ensure equitable access to technology resources for all community members.

  • Disaster Hub Operations.

  • Basic networking and satellite internet deployment training.

  • Cybersecurity awareness for emergency operations.

  • Hub activation and technology setup drills.

  • Digital equity and accessibility training.

  • Ham radio certification

  • ARES National Association for Amateur Radio

  • FEMA ICS 1/7/800 (National Response Framework, an Introduction)

  • FEMA ICS 200 (Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response)

  • Disaster Hub Operations

  • Equipment operation certifications as applicable (e.g., drone)

Community

Communications Team Volunteer and Leadership

























Public Information Officer


Emergency Manager

  • Designs and deploys advanced connectivity solutions (Starlink, mesh networks, Cloud services).

  • Maintains cybersecurity and privacy protections for all systems.

  • Operates drone response program for emergency support.

  • Coordinates with Emergency Operations Center and regional/state emergency management.

  • Researches and acquires new emergency technology solutions.



Drafts public facing messages for Disaster Hubs


Uses communications network to stay in contact with Disaster Hubs; responds to Situation Reports from Hubs

  • All Neighborhood-level training plus advanced technical specializations.

  • Advanced networking, cybersecurity, and satellite communications training.

  • FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification (for AirOps volunteers).

  • Emergency communications leadership training.

  • Sustainable power systems operation.

  • Incident Command System (ICS) training for coordination roles.

  • Ham radio certification




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