The City of Snoqualmie offers a special training program for people interested in learning how to respond effectively to emergencies such as earthquakes and floods.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed for Snoqualmie Valley residents who want to be prepared to assist their families and neighbors during crises.
Program Details and How to Join
The CERT program includes practical, hands-on training sessions on four Saturdays at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 SE Snoqualmie Parkway.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and register online. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and your spot is only confirmed after the Snoqualmie Fire Department approves it.
The course fee is $35 per person, which covers all necessary equipment, a student manual, and a CERT kit containing items like a hard hat, safety vest, backpack, and more.
The best part? This fee is fully refundable once you complete the course.
Fill out and submit this online form to register and reserve your spot today.
2024 Program Schedule
For those planning to attend in 2024, the program will include five Saturday sessions at the Snoqualmie Fire Station. These sessions are scheduled from April 27 to June 1, with each class running from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What You’ll Learn
The CERT training covers a wide range of emergency response topics:
- Disaster Preparedness: Introduction to the course, steps for personal preparedness, and understanding local hazards.
- Fire Suppression: How to prevent and tackle small fires, including hands-on fire extinguisher training.
- Medical Operations: This course is taught over two sessions and covers triage techniques, assessing patients, treating severe injuries, and basic first aid.
- Search and Rescue: Techniques for searching and safely removing victims, prioritizing tasks, and understanding the resources and equipment needed.
- Team Organization: Learning the Incident Command System used by emergency responders and how it applies to CERT teams.
- Disaster Psychology and Terrorism Response: An experienced chaplain will provide guidance on handling disasters’ emotional impact, tips on assessing building damage, and advice on responding to terrorism.
The final session includes a course review and a disaster simulation drill, during which participants can practice their learned skills.
Benefits of Completing the CERT Program
Graduates of the program receive a student manual, a comprehensive CERT kit, and a Certificate of Completion, assuming all course requirements are met.
For more information or to register for the class, contact the City of Snoqualmie Emergency Management Department by email or phone: 425-888-5911.
This training is a valuable opportunity for Snoqualmie Valley residents to acquire the knowledge and skills to make a difference during emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of their community.
[Information provided by the City of Snoqualmie]
