For the Reporter

The City of Auburn Emergency Management Division has announced the addition of seven new members to the area’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), bringing the total number of graduates in the local program to 776.

The latest class graduated from the area’s 48th CERT course that included 24 intensive hours of training over four weeks. The training culminated in a hands-on practical exercise simulating an earthquake.

Graduates of the class included Annette Aiwohi, Barbara Bell, Thomas Ginsburg, Charles Stockton, Constance Stockton, Chris Tilzer and Gracie Wilson

The CERT class schedule for 2018, class information and training applications are available at auburnwa.gov/disaster.

CERT training provides classroom education and hands-on practice in topics including disaster preparedness; emergency management; fire safety/suppression; disaster medical operations; light search and rescue; disaster communication; disaster psychology; and all-hazards identification and awareness.

Graduates have the opportunity to become registered emergency workers with their respective cities and the state of Washington, allowing them to aid in local and regional disasters. Graduates also have the opportunity to participate in local and regional continuing education activities, including training and field exercises.

Courses are sponsored by the City of Auburn’s Office of Emergency Management and taught by fire and emergency management professionals from the cities of Auburn, Pacific, and the Valley Regional Fire Authority.