Maple Valley’s Community Emergency Response Team is offering disaster preparedness and response training in an 8-week class beginning Sept. 4.

The CERT program is a disaster preparedness course designed to create awareness in citizens and teach critical skills for assessing a disaster situation, such as an earthquake. Hands-on activities in the course ensure that the participants gain the confidence they need to react responsibly and productively in a disaster situation.

Online registration is now open at www.maplevalleyfire.org under the “classes” tab. There is a $40 fee for the class. Participants will receive a backpack and some items to help them begin creation of an emergency response kit. There are no prerequisites for the class.

Specific topics covered in the classes include:

Disaster Preparedness (Wed, Sept. 4 6-9:30 p.m.)We will address local hazards and identify important steps participants and their families should take before, during and after a disaster.

Fire Suppression and Utility Controls (Thu, Sept. 12, 6-9:30 p.m.)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. Learn how to turn off your gas meter and your electricity.

Disaster Medical – Part 1 (Wed, Sept. 18, 6-9:30 p.m.)Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock. Learn the principles of triage and how to conduct triage evaluations.

Disaster Medical – Part 2 (Thu, Sept. 26, 6-9:30 p.m.)Learn to establish basic treatment areas, to perform basic head-to-toe assessments, and to treat burns, wounds, fractures, hypothermia, bites and stings, and other injuries.

Light Search and Rescue (Wed, Oct. 2, 6-9:30 p.m.)Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and, most importantly, rescuer safety.

CERT Organizational Structure & Disaster Psychology (Thu, Oct. 10, 6-9:30 p.m.)Explore how to organize & deploy CERT resources according to CERT organizational principles. Learn strategies for documenting situation and resource status. Learn common signs and symptoms experienced by the disaster victim and/or worker and how to provide psychological first aid.

Disaster Communications (Wed, Oct. 16, 6-9:30 p.m.)Participants learn about using a communications plan, communication modes and technologies, two-way radios and how to use them, tactical call signs, and proper radio use techniques.

Terrorism and CERT (Thu Oct. 24, 6-9:30 p.m.)Learn about terrorism targets, weapons, and how to prepare home, work and your neighborhood for a terrorist attack.

Course Review and Disaster Simulation (Sat, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)Participants review their answers to a course exam. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to practice the skills they’ve learned during a disaster simulation.

For additional information email kwooley@maplevalleyfire.org or call 206-423-2832.