HomeMy WebLinkAbout032315_CERT Spring website: http://rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
March 23, 2015
For more information contact:
Mindi Mattson, Emergency Management Coordinator 425-430-7041
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Administrator of Public Affairs 425-430-6569
Volunteers Needed for Renton’s Community Emergency Response Teams
Train to Be Part of the City’s Disaster Response
Renton, WA: The City of Renton is actively recruiting volunteers to be part of the city’s Community
Emergency Response Teams (CERT). CERT is a nationwide all-hazards disaster preparedness program
created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. CERT volunteers are empowered to take on
leadership roles in their neighborhoods following a disaster. It is also part of the national Citizens Corps
program to increase preparedness through volunteerism.
Spring 2014 CERT Academy: Wednesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., April 22-June 6, City of Renton Fire
Station 14, 1900 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. 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 6. 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. 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, where a link is provided on the main page. Or go to
Cybersignup.org, class number #53048.
Emergency Management Director Deborah Needham has this to say about our CERT volunteers,
“Emergency volunteers play a critical role in disaster response. They are the first ones on scene over
90% of the time.”
CONTACT: For more information about CERT contact Mindi Mattson at 425-430-7041.