Volunteers need for Community Emergency Response Teams
Published 5:30 pm Thursday, March 27, 2014
The City of Renton is actively 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.
CERT volunteers are empowered to take on leadership roles in their neighborhoods following a disaster. It is also part of the national Citizens Corps program to increase preparedness through volunteerism.
“Emergency volunteers play a critical role in disaster response,” said Deborah Needham, Emergency Management Director, in a press release. “They are the first ones on the scene over 90 percent of the time.”
• Spring 2014 CERT Academy: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesdays, April 15 to May 31, City of Renton Fire Station 14, 1900 Lind Avenue SW, Renton. 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 participate in a disaster simulation on Saturday, May 31.
CERT-trained individuals are able to work as part of a team in their neighborhood in order to meet the needs of residents after a disaster. Classes are taught by fire and police department personnel and local experts. The cost is $25 for Renton residents and $30 for non-residents. To register go to rentonwa.gov, where a link is provided on the main page. Or go to Cybersignup.org, class number #53048.
For more information about CERT contact Mindi Mattson at 425-430-7041.
