Learn critical skills for an emergency - CERT class starts Mar 6 in Kenmore

These are the people to know in an emergency
Photo courtesy Northshore Fire

The next Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy will begin on Monday March 6th for Kenmore and Lake Forest Park residents.

The 8 week program teaches participants critical skills to help family, friends, and neighbors in emergency situations. Classes begin at 7pm each night and end at 10pm at Fire Station 51 in Kenmore, 7220 NE 181st Street.

The cost of the class is $35. Registration will begin February 1st. For more information and to be sure to get an application as soon as they are available email Carl Lunak

CERT is an organization of volunteer emergency workers who have received specific training in basic disaster response skills with the intent of supplementing existing emergency responders in the event of a major disaster.

Following a major disaster, local Fire, Medical, Police, City, and other first responders may not be able to meet the demand for their services. Residents and visitors to our community may need to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life sustaining needs.

 

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition CERT program will educate participants about local hazards, basic disaster preparedness, and provide hands on training that includes fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.

After completing the CERT academy, volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in additional drills and exercises to keep their skills sharp and continue to enhance their knowledge and abilities.  

During actual emergencies within the cities of Kenmore and/or Lake Forest Park CERT volunteers may be called upon to assist city staff and other partner agencies to perform a wide variety of tasks to help our community respond and recover.

What to expect at a CERT class?

Most of the 8 week long program is divided up into both classroom and hands on training. Some of that training will be outside and may require participants to kneel, bend, stoop, crawl, or be in other awkward body positions.

The instructors will attempt to prepare students for what activities are coming, but all students should dress in layers (weather dependent) and appropriate attire for this type of activity.

If participants have any limitation or need accommodations, let our instructors know. The hands-on portions of the class are not a requirement of completion, but do enhance the training dramatically.