HomeMy WebLinkAbout091313_CERT website: http://rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
September 13, 2013
For more information contact:
Mindi Mattson, Emergency Management Coordinator 425-430-7041
Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director 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. It is also part of the national Citizens Corps
program, which helps increase preparedness through volunteerism. CERT volunteers work with the
fire department to better prepare the community to respond to disasters.
“Emergency volunteers play a critical role in disaster response,” said Deborah Needham, Emergency
Management Director. “They are the first ones on scene over 90% of the time.”
The following class is currently being offered by the City of Renton:
Fall 2013 CERT Academy: Tuesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., October 1-November 12, City of Renton Fire
Station 14, 1900 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA.
The fall 2013 CERT Academy will begin on October 1, 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,
November 16. 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 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.