Anyone who lives or works in Portland can take NET training. Over 2,500 volunteers have completed basic training. Join them today. 

WHAT YOU GET

• FREE disaster response training that improves your practical skills and prepares you for a major disaster.
• Get to know your neighbors, and join a group of highly skilled community leaders.
• After completing basic training, you also receive access to free advanced training opportunities, exercises, and classes.
  

WHAT YOU GIVE

• About 28 hours for basic training, usually done over the course of three Saturday classes.
• At least twelve hours of volunteer time every calendar year. This can be in the form of talking with neighbors about emergency preparedness, attending neighborhood meetings, or taking advanced training classes.

To become a fully trained and activated NET volunteer, we ask you to complete several steps:

STEP 1: Complete the NET registration form. When you complete this step, you will be added to the NET database as an "Applicant" to the program. You will also receive NET orientation information via email, which includes a link to this NET Applicant checklist.

STEP 2: Complete the Online Preparedness Training. The Online Preparedness Training is a series of 17 videos on basic preparedness (all together, they add up to about two hours of viewing time). Once you have finished watching the videos, take a brief quiz (click on "Registration"). Passing the quiz is a prerequisite for the Basic NET training class; once you pass it, you are cleared to take a Basic NET class.

STEP 3: Sign up for Basic NET Training. After passing the quiz, the NET Coordinator will add you to the list of Applicants eligible for Basic NET Training. You will receive emails about available Basic training opportunities. Basic NET training is about 28 hours and is most often completed over the course of three long Saturday sessions.

STEP 4: Complete a background check. A background check is not required to take the training, but is required in order to join your neighborhood team. NET volunteers come into contact with vulnerable populations, have access to some city property and facilities, and receive sensitive information. Therefore, we require volunteers to complete periodic background checks. This is done at our expense, and you can complete the background check form online.

STEP 5: Join your team. The NET Coordinator will connect you with your neighborhood team leader. Your team leader will have information for you about NET meetings and will keep you informed of advanced NET training opportunities. You do not need to be a fully credentialed NET to participate in your team; please email the NET Coordinator for details.