City offers CERT training in March and beyond

February 27, 2019 10:30 am
City offers CERT training in March and beyond

The City of Auburn Emergency Management Division is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses to area residents throughout this year.

All classes are in downtown Auburn.

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.

The class is free, but pre-registration is required and space is limited.

For more information or to download a course application, please visit auburnwa.gov/disaster. Questions may be directed to the Emergency Management Division at emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov or to 253-876-1925.

2019 CERT schedule:

Class No. 51: Class is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (9:30-12:30 p.m.) throughout March. The dates are March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28 (which will be held 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Class No. 52: Class is on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30 in April and May. The dates are April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21. There will also be two Saturday morning drills from 8 a.m.-noon on May 4, and May 25.

Class No. 53: Class is on three consecutive days in August; Wednesday (14th), Thursday (15th), and Friday (16th), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Class No. 54: Class is on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30 in October and November. The dates are Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. There will also be two Saturday morning drills from 8 a.m.-noon on Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. ​

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.

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.

Fire department and emergency management professionals from the City of Auburn, and the Valley Regional Fire Authority teach the course.