Renton recruiting volunteers for CERT training
Published 3:12 pm Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The City of Renton is recruiting volunteers to be part of the city’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
CERT is a nationwide all-hazards disaster preparedness program created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is also part of the national Citizens Corps program to increase preparedness through volunteerism.
CERT volunteers work with the fire department to better prepare the community to respond to disasters.
“Emergency volunteers are an irreplaceable asset to our community,” said Deborah Needham, emergency management director. “They are prepared to help their neighbors, provide real-time weather and road condition information and assist with communications when traditional means aren’t available. In 2011, emergency volunteers contributed nearly 5,000 hours of volunteer service to the city.”
The following classes are being offered by the City of Renton:
• Fall 2012 CERT Academy: Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 4 – Nov. 15, City of Renton Fire Station 14, 1900 Lind Ave. S.W.
Registration is now open for this session. CERT graduates receive 24 hours of training in fire suppression, search and rescue, first aid, disaster psychology and team organization, and will participate in a disaster simulation on Saturday, Nov. 17. CERT-trained individuals are able to work as part of a team in their neighborhood to meet the needs of residents after a disaster. Classes are taught by fire department personnel and local experts. The cost is $25 for Renton residents and $30 for non-residents. To register go to rentonwa.gov, click on the recreation division and then on cybersignup.org or call 425-430-6700.
• Amateur (Ham) Radio Licensing Class: Saturday, Oct. 13, and Sunday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Renton Technical College, K203/K204, 3000 N.E. Fourth St., Renton.
The Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS) is offering an Amateur Radio Technician Licensing Class. This course will cover all of Element 2 of the FCC Amateur Radio Service materials. Participants will take the FCC exam on day two of the class and receive their Technician Class license from the FCC. The cost of $40 includes the manual and license exam fee. Amateur radio operators are often paired with CERT teams to provide communication when traditional means of communication fail. To register go to rentonwa.gov, click on the recreation division and then on cybersignup.org or call 425-430-6700.
For more information about CERT or Amateur Radio Licensing classes, contact Mindi Mattson at 425-430-7041.
