Level One
At this level, our goal is to equip you with the foundational knowledge and tools necessary to effectively participate in emergency operations. You will be introduced to essential communication equipment, begin logging your participation, and engage in critical liaison visits. By completing this level, you will be prepared to actively contribute to emergency response efforts in a supporting role.
How do I get credit?
After completing the check-off items, turn in the completed form via email or print to the Advancement Coordinator. We will then log your certification and present you with a signed certificate at our next interface meeting. After completing a Certification Level, it is expected that you will maintain the Equipment required for that Certification Level.
Prerequisites
1. Register with UCARES
You can register by completing our New Membership form, or contacting our Membership Coordinator
2. Get UCARES ID Card
Equipment Requirements
3. 2m/70cm handheld radio
Having (at least) one dual band handheld radio is critical for starting UCARES participation.
4. Spare batteries for your radios
Good 'ol alkaline batteries are sometimes the most reliable form of powering your radio. You can find battery packs online that will fit your radio. You could also build a portable battery pack and use a 'battery eliminator', but remember to think about the portability of your equipment. Having spare batteries is a must, make sure you store them in a way that will keep them from short circuting. Also remember you will need to check their state of charge somewhat regularly to ensure they are in working order.
tipA battery eliminator (amazon baofeng example) replaces the battery pack in your radio with one that connects to a standard 12VDC automotive outlet. You could also build your own portable LiFePO4 battery with an automotive connector (see Level 4 battery requirements).
5. Earpiece for handheld radio
Having an earpiece can quickly become critically important. Earpieces help to isolate the radio traffic you hear from the background noise. These are extremely when participating in parades or other activities where clearly hearing net control above the noise is important. There are lots of earpiece options out there for all radios. Here is an Amazon example for Baofeng.
tipBefore showing up to an event, test out your radio and earpiece configuration using the Live Streaming here on the ucares.org website!
warningYaesu FT-60 radios, and some other models have an issue where if the earpiece is not fully connected, your radio will be stuck transmitting. Please verify that your connections are secure! If you don't hear net control for a while, ask for a signal check.
6. "The Basics"
If you can't help yourself, you can't help others. The UCARES Certification should not be considered a comprehensive emergency supplies list. Please use common sense in aquiring the equipment to help your family during an emergency or callout.
a. Multitool / Pocketknife
b. Flashlight
tipUCARES recommends a rechargeable flashlight, or a method to recharge the batteries used in your flashlight.
c. First Aid Kit
d. $20 in small bills
e. MRE & Water for 72 hours
7. Documentation
Just as important as the equipment you have, is the documentation that defines how things work. Please aquire a binder that you can put specific documentation into. We also recommend having offline digital copies of the following documentation.
a. UCARES Field Manual
b. Map of Utah County
Available from Amazon
tipOffline digital copies permitted, some apps include (and are not limited to)
c. Blank Paper
d. Zipper pouch with writing utinsels
e. Radio Manuals
It is critical that you have the manuals for your radios. Sometimes you need to lookup a setting or how a function in your radio works. Having a copy of your radio manual on your phone, or other documentation solves that issue.
7. Yellow Vest
UCARES members are required to wear a yellow vest, a UCARES branded vest is prefered. This vest helps to identify volunteers in crowds of people, and increase our professionalism with our liaison agencies.
Link to Order Form or contact our Membership Coordinator
Participate with us
UCARES uses Telegram for group chatting and communication. We have a Callout Channel, only used for broadcasting emergency callout notifications, and a Member Chat, for members to communicate together, ask questions, and support each other.
Start by Downloading Telegram and then clicking on our group join links. When you join, please introduce yourself and give you callsign. Those who join without a callsign will be removed from the group.
Liaison Visits
8. Visit the Emergency Operations Center close to your home or work during UCARES Simplex or Statewide Net
It's important to visit the EOC close to your home or work, these places (home/work) are places you spend a lot of time, and are places you might be before a callout. Being familiar with your EOC is an important part of participating in your local community.