Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the heavy demand for these services. Snohomish County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will help fill those roles in order to meet immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs.
 
As a member of CERT, volunteers will learn how to prepare for disasters, administer basic disaster first aid and medical triage, conduct search and rescue operations and understand the psychological effects disasters have on people.
 
“CERT is a positive way to volunteer during very difficult times of need,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “This is an opportunity for community members to make a difference during the aftermath of a disaster.”
 
The CERT program lasts seven weeks (three hours a night, one night per week) and is provided free of charge. The only cost involved may be obtaining personal safety equipment.
 
Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Snohomish County DEM’s training facility, located at 3509 109th ST SW, Everett. Classes will be from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday through Oct. 21.
 
For more information on the program or to register, contact Stephen Hagberg at Stephen.Hagberg@snoco.org or 425-754-4733.
 

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