Sign up now for Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety’s Annual CERT course which begins Feb. 1.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a disaster preparedness course designed tocreate awareness, teach critical skills for assessing a disaster situation (e.g. earthquakes, etc.),and ensure participants gain the confidence they need to react productively and responsibly in a disaster.

Classes are from 6-9:30 p.m.

Week 1:  Feb. 1 – Disaster PreparednessWe will address local hazards and identify important steps participants and their families should take before, during and after a disaster.

Week 2: Feb. 9 – Disaster Medical – Part 1Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock. Learn the principles of triage and how to conduct triage evaluations.

Week 3: Feb. 15 – Disaster Medical – Part 2Learn how to evaluate a patient and perform a head-to-toe assessment.

Week 4: Feb. 23 – Triage NightParticipants will practice the principles of triage and basic first aid as learned in previous class.

Week 5: Feb. 29 – Disaster PsychologyLearn 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 6: March 8 – Light Search and RescueParticipants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most importantly rescuer safety.

Week 7: March 8 – Fire SuppressionThis 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 8: March 22 – Course Review and Disaster SimulationParticipants 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.

There are no pre-requisites. There is a $35.00 class fee due prior to the start of class. For further information call 425 432-0200.