Are You Prepared For a Disaster?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and hazards that may impact their area. Basic disaster response skills are taught in the areas of fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Upcoming Class

For more information visit http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/dept/fd/publiced/cert.html

Week 1:
March 7, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) - Disaster Preparedness
We will address local hazards and identify important steps participants and their families should take before, during and after a disaster.

Week 2:
March 14, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) - Disaster Medical – Part 1
Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock. Learn the principals of triage and how to conduct triage evaluations.

Week 3:
March 21, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) – Disaster Medical – Part 2
Learn how to evaluate a patient and perform a head-to-toe assessment.

Week 4:
March 28, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) – Triage Night
Participants will practice the principles of triage and basic first aid as learned in previous class.
real fire.

Week 5:
April 4, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) – Fire Suppression
This class explains fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards and fire suppression strategies. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, when to use them and practice extinguishing a real fire.

Week 6:
April 11, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) – Light Search and Rescue
Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most importantly rescuer safety.

Week 7:
April 18, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) - Disaster Psychology
Learn common signs and symptoms experienced by the disaster victim and/or worker. Explore how to organize a CERT team including management principles and the need for clear documentation.

Week 8:
April 25, 2007 (Wednesday 6pm-9pm) - Course Review and Disaster Simulation
Participants review their answers to a take-home exam. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to practice the skills they've learned during a disaster simulation.

To register, please contact Kirsten Clemens (425) 489-3364 or kirsten.clemens@ci.bothell.wa.us