Northshore Fire Department offers disaster-preparedness training for citizens
Published 1:51 pm Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Northshore Fire Department is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, a Department of Homeland Security course, to the public starting Feb. 17. CERT is an all-disaster-preparedness course where students learn how to suppress a fire, apply disaster medical aid, conduct searches, execute safe rescues and understand disaster psychology and the importance of rescuer safety. It provides citizens with an understanding of their responsibility in preparing for a disaster.
“In a disaster of major proportions, the Northshore Fire Department will rely on CERT-trained individuals to apply their knowledge and skills to safely help themselves, their families, neighbors and fellow citizens,” says Terri Jones, community educator. “We need committed individuals whose actions in the moments following a disaster can make a difference. The reality is that in a disaster, emergency service resources will be overwhelmed, so people are asked to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.”
The free CERT Academy consists of seven classes from 6-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Kenmore Fire Station, 18030 73rd Ave. N.E. The academy ends March 31. To sign up, visit the Northshore Fire Department Web site.
