State and Federal agencies mandate that anyone involved in any type of emergency organization, paid or volunteer, be required to meet the minimum requirements of the National Incident Management System - NIMS.

 

The minimum requirements for ARES in Polk County is IS100 and IS700. These are free, online courses and, upon completion, a link will be sent by email to print your certificate. These are the links to the two mini-courses;

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-100.b

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-700.a

​

For a complete list of independent study courses offered click here: FEMA Courses

 

The Polk County Office of Emergency Management, as well as Polk County ARES​® also require that each member complete (and keep current) the National Weather Service SKYWARN class. Again, this class is offered free of cost and you can attend one of the many offered in the area every year - there is even an online version.