Community Emergency Response Team
Learn how to save lives, protect property, and operate safely in post-disaster environments with emergency response training offered by the City of Snoqualmie.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is open to all Snoqualmie Valley residents. It is a hands-on course that will train you to help your family and neighbors during local and regional emergencies such as earthquakes and floods.
Next Course, Times, Fee, Registration
This course requires attendance at four Saturday sessions and is held at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 SE Snoqualmie Parkway. Here is the upcoming course information:
- April 15, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- April 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- April 29, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- May 6, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (drill)
The course fee is $35 per person and is fully refundable upon completion of all classes. The fee includes equipment, a student manual, and CERT kit (Field Operation Guide, hardhat, safety vest, backpack, goggles, gloves, flashlight, whistle, triage tape, and hand-sanitizing gel).
To register for the course, email eoc@snoqualmiewa.gov and include your contact information: name, address and phone number or call 425-888-1551.
Curriculum
Disaster Preparedness
The first session provides an overview of the entire course, recommends personal preparedness steps, and addresses many of the hazards that the City of Snoqualmie and the Snoqualmie Valley face.
Disaster Fire Suppression
This session addresses fire prevention and dealing with small fires. It covers identifying and reducing potential fire hazards, basic fire suppression strategy, firefighting resources, and firefighting techniques. Attendees will learn hands-on skills for using a full-size fire extinguisher.
Disaster Medical Operations
Disaster medical operations are taught in two sessions. These classes include information on triage techniques, patient assessment, how to treat life-threatening injuries, and first aid.
Light Search & Rescue Operations
Information in this session includes techniques for lifting, cribbing, and victim removal; search and rescue priorities and resources; and equipment needs.
CERT Organization
Police and Fire Departments use the Incident Command System (ICS) to organize first responders at the scene of an incident. This class teaches citizens the basic principles of ICS and how it applies to CERT team organization.
Disaster Psychology & Terrorism
This session describes the post-disaster emotional environment for victims and responders, and methods to meet the challenges involved. The class is taught by a police/fire department chaplain who has years of professional experience in disaster psychology. Students will also learn information for assessing and reporting damage to buildings and infrastructure; construction-related hazards; and rescuer safety. Participants will also be taught about terrorist event response.
Course Review & Disaster Simulation (Drill)
The final CERT session involves a brief review of information followed by a practical drill in which participants exercise some of the skills they have learned in previous class sessions.
As a CERT Participant You Will Receive:
- Student manual
- CERT kit (includes a backpack, hardhat, safety vest, goggles, gloves, flashlight, whistle, hand sanitizer, and a Field Operating Guide)
- Certification of Completion (if all criteria have been met)
More Information & Class Registration
City of Snoqualmie Emergency Management Department
Email Emergency Management
Phone: 425-888-5911