The City of Auburn Emergency Management Office, in conjunction with the White River Valley Citizen Corps Council, is providing area residents with an opportunity to complete Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in October.

The six-week class begins Oct. 5 and is offered at no cost to community members, but participants must pre-register. The class will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Oct. 5 and ending Nov. 9. The course includes two Saturday drills: Oct. 23 and Nov. 13, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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. Emergency management and fire department professionals from throughout the area teach the courses.

About CERT training

CERT training is comprised of 24-plus hours of 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.

Class members will be required to provide some basic equipment, such as sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves. Other necessary supplies and equipment will be provided. A complete list of required equipment will be provided upon registration.

For more information or to register please call 253-876-1925 or e-mail emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov. Applications are also available online at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster.