The Knights Valley Neighbor Response Group is a group of Knights Valley residents that pool resources and respond to fire and other events in the valley until the professionals arrive. A majority of the past fire losses in the valley could have been avoided if we had an organized neighbor response group in the valley.
We recommend starting with the Knights Valley CERT training to learn the basics of disaster response. This a free training that provides a strong foundation to operate safely and effectively to majority events that will affect us in Knights Valley. CERT members also receive Cal OES Disaster Service Worker credentialing and the ability to aid first responders when they arrive in the valley. During disasters we need all the help we can get, so all residents and property owners are encouraged to take this training, regardless of age and physical state. CERT has a role for everyone, from traffic control to clearing fallen trees from the roadways. And participation is voluntary, you do not have to respond to an event if it doesn’t work for you. See below for more information on the training.
After CERT training, those who are more interested are encouraged to take more advanced or specialized training. Below is more information on CERT and additional trainings you can consider. Contact us with any questions.
Knights Valley CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) with Northern Sonoma County CERT
Sonoma CART (Community Animal Response Team)
Wildland firefighting training (FFT2)
First aid/CPR/AED
GMRS license
Ham radio license
Specific Training Information:
Knights Valley CERT: Self paced Hybrid training which will requires an online portion (12 hours approximately) then 16 hours in-person class time. The “test” is participation in a disaster simulation designed to exercise your new skills. The CERT basic training is very valuable and highly recommended for all KV residents, regardless of age or background.
CERT training requirements:
| FEMA IS-100.c (en Español) | Intro to ICS (online self-study) |
| FEMA IS-700.b (en Español) | Intro to NIMS (online self-study) |
| CERT online training | Basic CERT, University of Utah |
| CERT online training (en Español) | Basic CERT, University of Utah |
| 16 hour in-person training | Northern Sonoma County CERT |
FFT2 Wildland Firefighting: This is an advanced certification focusing on wildland and wildland urban interface firefighting techniques, and recommended after completing the CERT basic training for those interested in advancing their firefighting knowledge and skills. This a 40 hour training and can be a hybrid or an in-person training, depending on the organization you are going through. There is usually a fee. Hybrid sessions will require login.gov and wildland fire learning portal accounts for part of the online portions and in-person training through Fire Forward or other wildland fire training group. There is a fire shelter deployment aspect to this training, click here for a video about fire shelter deployment. (Haga clic aquí para ver el video en español). Also become familiar with the IRPG, it’s part of the FFT2 training and kit.
FFT2 training requirements:
| FEMA IS-100.c (en Español) | Intro to ICS (online self-study) |
| FEMA IS-700.b (en Español) | Intro to NIMS (online self-study) |
| S-190 | Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (online self-study) |
| L-180 | Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (online self-study) |
| S-130 | Fire Fighting Training (in person) |
| Pack Test (Arduous) | 45# – 3 miles (flat) in 45 minutes (self evaluation with witness) |
PPE suggestions:
Everyone participating in disaster response, especially fire protection, will need appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). This is also expected by CalFire if we are operating within their operational area during an event. And we really want to stress safety above all else. I am also working suppliers on getting group pricing on these things, so let’s chat before ordering PPE or equipment.
Individual PPE must haves:
Helmet (Forest green) with neck shroud.
Goggles.
Headlamp (rechargeable) fitted to the helmet.
Gloves, leather work gloves are great.
Fire rated boots, 8″ cuff minimum. (regular leather boots are probably ok unless they are going for the FFT2 certification). I highly recommend the Hiax Missoula 2.1 boot.
FR (flame retardant) pants, green.
FR shirt, yellow long sleeve.
Fire line pack with fire shelter and water bladder*.
First aid kit and tourniquet.
KN905 masks,
Equipment Recommendations:
Must haves:
Hand tools, assemble an assortment for different conditions and uses.
- Mccloud.
- Rogue hoe.
- Chingadera (yep, a real tool).
- Pulaski.
Chainsaw (including protective chaps). Requires special training.
5 gallon backpack spray pump.
2-1/2 gallon water fire extinguisher, refillable and charged with bike pump.
5 or 10 pound fire extinguishers, ABC rated.
GMRS radios – min. one per team.
BK fire radio – one per property. This is a must-have if we are operating in the CalFire operational area during a major event. But this is a more expensive item ($2,000+) so I am hoping to get these covered by donations to the KV FireWise group or to the Northern Sonoma County CERT group.
Knights Valley Ranch and Property Services 