How to Join FEMA Emergency Response
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is responsible for responding in times of national disaster. First responders are a part of FEMA's emergency response unit and is comprised of professional emergency personnel and trained civilians willing to lend a hand. To become a first responder with emergency response, there are several steps you must take to qualify.
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Instructions
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Attend emergency preparedness classes. According to the FEMA website, residents who are not emergency personnel are required to take several preparation courses. These courses include, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive response, Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness. Most courses are offered only to certain career fields.
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Complete your courses to earn certification. Some U.S. universities also offer FEMA approved classes to lessen your commute and scheduling conflicts. Classes and exams are also available online.
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Apply for FEMA's emergency response by filling out the online application. List all your qualifications and training. Ideal qualifications include government, healthcare, tribal and emergency agency affiliation. FEMA will verify all information submitted for accuracy.
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Provide FEMA with a copy of all your training certifications. Copies are kept in a permanent employment file by FEMA to show that you have completed all training courses and classes necessary to fulfill the job title. This also safeguards you and FEMA by proving you are eligible to respond during a state of emergency. You cannot provide certain services if you do not provide this information.
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Attend all orientation meetings as scheduled. If travel is required, FEMA will provide transportation for the duration of your stay, as long as the travel is for FEMA business only.
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References
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