WPV-Ready Nodes
Neighborhood connection points for when normal communications are down
Established Nodes: See who is already up and running in our communities.
When a major earthquake, wildfire, or storm strikes, the systems we depend on every day — cell phones, internet, power, and even 911 — can go down for hours or days. When that happens, you need a place to gather, share information, and coordinate.
WPV-Ready Nodes are pre-established, low-tech neighborhood gathering points where residents can meet face-to-face to share information, coordinate help, and connect people who have needs with people who have skills and resources. They require very minimal supplies — just basic organization tools and a plan.
A Node is not a supply depot or a command center. It is a simple, organized way for neighbors to find each other and work together when they cannot rely on technology.
Why Nodes?
When Technology Fails
Cell towers go down. Internet stops. Power is out. You need a way to get and share information that does not depend on any of those things.
Resources Are Nearby
Your neighbors have skills, tools, and supplies that can solve real problems — but only if people know about them. A Node connects what is needed with what is available.
Relationships Save Lives
Research consistently shows that the strength of neighborhood social connections before a disaster is the strongest predictor of how well a community recovers.
How a Node Works
A Node is a designated outdoor location in your neighborhood — a park, a wide intersection, a community building lawn — where people know to gather after a major disruption. Trained volunteers set up simple stations to organize the flow of people and information.
Information
What is happening? Is tap water safe? Where is the nearest shelter? Volunteers collect, verify, and post updates on a whiteboard so everyone can see the latest information. Residents can also leave messages for specific people.
Volunteer Matching
Many people will arrive wanting to help. Others will need help with specific tasks. This station tracks offers and requests and connects people — matching a nurse with someone who needs medical attention, or a crew of volunteers with a neighbor whose tree came down.
Supplies & Equipment
Someone needs a generator. A neighbor three streets over has one they can lend. This station helps residents find and share physical resources without the Node itself needing to stockpile anything. It connects people so they can arrange exchanges directly.
Practical Knowledge
When the power is out and you cannot look things up online, how do you purify water? How do you maintain sanitation? This station provides printed reference guides on the most common challenges people face during extended outages.
Volunteer Roles
Running a Node takes a small team of volunteers, each with a straightforward role. No special skills are required — just a willingness to show up and help your neighbors. Training is provided.
Node Manager
Keeps the overall operation running smoothly. Supports volunteers, makes decisions when unexpected situations arise, coordinates with WPV-CERT or other response teams if present, and manages shift transitions.
Volunteer Coordinator
Manages the matching of people who need help with people who can provide it. Tracks offers and requests using simple paper forms. Recruits additional volunteers as needed.
Information Manager
Collects and posts verified updates for the community. Manages the message board for individual messages between residents. Monitors radio broadcasts for relevant news if available.
Greeter
The first person visitors see. Listens to each person, understands their need, and directs them to the right station. Helps people who may be overwhelmed to calm down and get oriented.
Supplies & Equipment Manager
Tracks offers and requests for physical items — tools, food, water, batteries, fuel. Connects people directly so they can arrange their own exchanges. The Node itself does not accept or store donations.
Educator
Maintains printed reference materials on common emergency challenges. Helps residents find answers to practical questions when the internet is not available. Taps local expertise when specialized knowledge is needed.
Floater
Fills in wherever demand is highest. Helps reduce wait times at busy stations. Assists visitors with paperwork and directs them to the right place. A flexible role that keeps the whole Node running efficiently.
What a Node Needs
A Node is deliberately low-tech and low-cost. The emphasis is on people and organization, not equipment.
A Location
- •A pre-designated outdoor spot that neighbors know about in advance
- •Ideally within a 15-minute walk for the residents it serves
- •Outdoors so it can operate even if buildings are unsafe after an earthquake
- •Parks, wide intersections, community building grounds, and school yards work well
Basic Supplies
- •Paper forms for tracking requests, offers, and messages
- •Hanging pocket organizers to sort and display forms
- •Whiteboards and markers for posting community-wide updates
- •Printed reference guides for common emergency topics
- •Pens, clipboards, duct tape, and identification vests for volunteers
Node-in-a-Bag: WPV-Ready provides these essentials free to any neighborhood that completes training and identifies its volunteers. At least three volunteers should each keep one and bring it to the meeting spot after a disaster.
A Core Team
Each Node needs a small group of 3–7 committed neighbors who take ownership of their Node. They choose the location, store the minimal supplies, promote awareness in the neighborhood, and organize occasional practice events so volunteers are comfortable with the system before they ever need to use it for real.
Nodes and WPV-CERT
WPV-Ready Nodes and WPV-CERT serve complementary roles. CERT teams are trained in emergency response — search and rescue, medical triage, fire suppression, and incident management. Nodes focus on the broader community: getting information out, connecting people with resources, and organizing volunteer help for non-emergency tasks. When both are active in a neighborhood, the Node can handle the steady stream of community questions and offers of help, allowing CERT teams to focus on their response mission without constant interruption.
WPV-Ready Communicators equipped with GMRS radios can serve as the communication link between Nodes and the CERT command structure, passing critical information in both directions.
Ready Communicators and ReadyNet
Your Node does not operate in isolation. When cell phones and internet are down, one of its most important connections is to the WPV-Ready Communicator network. Communicators are trained resident volunteers who use their own GMRS two-way radios to relay urgent needs — medical assistance, search-and-rescue requests, hazard reports — between your Node and WPV-CERT or the fire district.
They transmit over ReadyNet, a system of linked GMRS repeaters covering the fire district. Two main repeaters — WD1 (Channel 1) at the Easter Cross in Emerald Hills and PV1 (Channel 3) in central Portola Valley — are linked, so a transmission on one is heard on the other. Having even one or two Ready Communicators in your neighborhood significantly strengthens your Node, and they make an ideal addition to your Core Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Node activate?
After you have taken care of your own household and immediate neighbors, and normal communication systems (cell, internet) are down or there is a major disruption in the area. If both of those conditions are true, go to your Node location. Other volunteers will likely be thinking the same thing.
Does a Node store emergency supplies?
No. A Node stores only the minimal organizational materials needed to run the stations — forms, markers, whiteboards, and reference guides. It does not accept, store, or distribute supplies. Instead, it connects people who have things with people who need things so they can arrange direct exchanges.
How much does it cost to set up a Node?
Participation is free. WPV-Ready provides a Node-in-a-Bag — the essential supplies of Posting Forms, a hanging organizer, markers, and pens — at no cost to any neighborhood that completes Node training and identifies its volunteers. Optional extras like a canopy, folding table, and whiteboards add modest cost. The real investment is the time your core team puts into organizing and promoting the Node.
Do I need special training?
We offer a Nodes class that covers how the system works and what each volunteer role involves. The roles are straightforward and designed so that someone with no prior training can step in and be effective with just a brief orientation. Practice events help build confidence before a real activation.
How is this different from CERT?
CERT teams are trained for hands-on emergency response: medical aid, search and rescue, fire suppression. Nodes are focused on community coordination: sharing information, matching volunteers with tasks, and connecting people to resources. They work best together but serve different functions.
How do I start a Node in my neighborhood?
Attend a Nodes class to learn how the system works. Then gather a Core Group of 3–7 interested neighbors. Choose a location and let WPV-Ready know — after training we provide your free Node-in-a-Bag, help you promote your Node, and connect you with other Node teams in the district. The Guide to Organizing Ready Communities walks through every step.
Node Resources
Everything you need to understand, organize, and present the Ready Node program. All resources are free to download.
Ready Node Manual
The complete operations manual — four stations, seven volunteer roles, the Posting Form, and how Nodes work with CERT and ReadyNet. (PDF)
Guide to Organizing Ready Communities
Step-by-step guide to establishing a Node and building the connected neighborhood it depends on. (PDF)
Presenter Q&A Reference
Common questions and clear answers for presenting the Ready Node program at community meetings. (PDF)
Ready Nodes Presentation
Slide deck for introducing Ready Nodes to your neighborhood. (PowerPoint)
Start a Node in Your Neighborhood
Attend our next class or get in touch to learn how to bring a Node to your community.