WC4DC RADIO LIBRARY · GUIDED PATH
ARES Go-Kit Reading
Core background for operators who want to support organized emergency communications and weather response.
Emergency Communications
Intermediate
2–4 hours plus FEMA courses
Emergency Communications
Intermediate
2–4 hours plus FEMA courses 5 steps
Equipment matters, but an effective emergency communicator also understands organization, terminology, reporting, and safety. This path combines ARES background, basic ICS/NIMS concepts, and severe-weather spotting references.
When you finish this path
Understand the organizational basics behind ARES, ICS/NIMS, and useful severe-weather reports.
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01Emergency Communications
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Resources
ARRL — The National Association for Amateur Radio
ARES overview, plans, task books, field resources, and emergency-communications training links.
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02Emergency Communications
FEMA IS-100.C — Introduction to the Incident Command System
FEMA Emergency Management Institute
Free FEMA independent-study course introducing ICS structure, principles, and command roles.
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03Emergency Communications
FEMA IS-700.B — Introduction to NIMS
FEMA Emergency Management Institute
Free FEMA course covering the National Incident Management System and how organizations work together during incidents.
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04Emergency Communications · Weather & SKYWARN
National Weather Service SKYWARN
NOAA National Weather Service
National SKYWARN program information, spotter resources, guides, and training links.
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05Emergency Communications · Weather & SKYWARN
NWS Spotter’s Field Guide
NOAA National Weather Service
National Weather Service field guide covering spotter safety, what to report, thunderstorms, tornadoes, downbursts, and more.