City Seeks Volunteers for Renton’s Community Emergency Response Teams

The City of Renton is seeking community volunteers to be part of the city’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), according to a city news release. 

CERT is a nationwide all-hazards disaster preparedness program created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is also part of the national Citizens Corps program to increase preparedness through volunteerism. CERT volunteers work with the fire department to better prepare the community to respond to disasters. 

• Spring 2013 CERT Academy: Wednesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., April 24-June 8, City of Renton Fire Station 14, 1900 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA.

The spring 2013 CERT Academy will begin on April 24, 2013, and registration is now open for this session. CERT graduates receive 24 hours of training in fire suppression, search and rescue, first aid, disaster psychology and team organization, and participate in a disaster simulation on Saturday June 8. CERT-trained individuals are able to work as part of a team in their neighborhood in order to meet the needs of residents after a disaster. 

"Emergency volunteers play a critical role in disaster response," said Emergency Management Director Deborah Needham. "They are the first ones on scene over 90 percent of the time."

Classes are taught by fire and police department personnel and local experts. The cost is $25 for Renton residents and $30 for non-residents. To register go to rentonwa.gov, click on the recreation division and then on cybersignup.org or call 425-430-6700.

For more information about CERT contact Mindi Mattson at 425-430-7041.