The City of Auburn Emergency Management Office, in conjunction with the Valley Regional Fire Authority, offers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses to area residents.

The City offers four classes in 2014:

• Class No. 32 – Tuesday and Thursday mornings, March 4-25 from 9 to noon. The final class is 8 a.m.-noon March 27.

• Class No. 34 – Tuesday evenings, April 22-May 27 from 6:30-9:30. There also will be two Saturday drills on May 10 and May 31, both from 8 a.m.-noon.

• Class No. 35 – Class will be on three consecutive days; Aug. 19-21 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Class No. 36 – Thursday evenings, Oct. 9-Nov. 6, 13 from 6:30-9:30. There also will be two Saturday drills on Oct. 25 and Nov. 15; both from 8 a.m.-noon.

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.

Pre-registration is required for all courses and space is limited. There is no fee for the course.

For more information, or to register, please call 253-876-1925 or e-mail emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov. Applications may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.auburnwa.gov/services/emergency_preparedness.htm.

About CERT training

CERT training is composed of 20-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. Courses are taught by fire department staff, emergency management personnel, and other subject matter experts from throughout the area.