Skip to main content

Family Preparedness Certification

Purpose​

Through your involvement with ARES, you have demonstrated your willingness and desire to be of service to others. It is hoped that by fulfilling these certification requirements, you will have the ability to respond in times of widespread disaster in Utah County.

Please understand that participating in this voluntary certification program in no way obligates you to provide any service to ARES now, or in times of disaster. Individual and family circumstances determine whether or not you will be in a position to serve. Our families are the first priority. In times of disaster, you cannot begin to be of service to others until you have first provided for the security and wellbeing of your family.

This is a different and unique voluntary Certification. It is part "checklist" and part "food for thought." The fulfillment of these requirements requires participation to some extent by all family members. Some requirements are easily accomplished and checked off, while others require an ongoing effort. Therefore, consider the requirements fulfilled as you meet the "spirit of the law" and not the "letter of the law."

Equipment Requirements​

1. 72-hour kit for each member of the family​

2. A personal 72-hour kit that you can take to your communications assignment​

Ensure that your kit does not contain any "family" items.

Training Requirements​

3. Write a "family preparedness plan"​

This can be a simple outline. The items below are not all-inclusive and may need to be tailored to your family's needs:

  • Where will you as a family rendezvous if a disaster occurs during work/school hours?
  • Are children expected to remain at school until you come for them or are they expected to come home?
  • Which parent will go to which school?
  • How long will it take the parents to return home (worst case) if they must walk from work?
  • Who will be "in charge" until mom and dad return?
  • Make assignments in advance for all family members. This will give each family member a sense of purpose.
  • Write and post a checklist for different emergencies (e.g., power outage, earthquake, evacuation due to hazardous spills). Coordinate with others in your neighborhood.

4. Inform your neighbors and ecclesiastical leaders of your involvement in emergency communications​

Ask them now to look after your family should you be needed to assist in emergency communications. You may wish to share with them your "family preparedness plan."

5. Talk with other Hams in your neighborhood​

Let them know how to contact you via radio. This would be done via any of the UCARES NET control operators, so advise them of our NET frequencies (147.28+ and 147.34+) and operating procedures.

6. Provide training for all family members​

Take all family members on a tour of the house to show them where emergency items are stored. This will also be a good review for you. Teach them the following items:

  • How and when to turn off the natural gas. Make sure that a proper tool is available for this purpose and they know where it is stored.
  • How to turn off the water.
  • How to turn off the electricity.
  • How to operate emergency lighting.
  • How to operate emergency heating.
  • Ventilation requirements when using combustion products indoors.
  • How to access your water storage.
  • How to use your portable potty.
  • How to purify water.

7. Have a disaster dress rehearsal one cold dark winter evening​

We thank you for your willingness to help and your desire to serve. We hope that this exercise has been educational, enjoyable, and comforting.