Maple Valley Fire and Safety is offering a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.

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.

The schedule for the course is below:

Week 1: Disaster Preparedness

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday September 8

We will address local hazards and identify important steps participants and their families should take before, during and after a disaster.

Week 2: Disaster Medical – Part 1

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday September 14

Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock.  Learn the principals of triage and how to conduct triage evaluations.

Week 3: Disaster Medical – Part 2

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday September 22

Learn how to evaluate a patient and perform a head-to-toe assessment.

Week 4: Triage Night

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday September 29

Participants will practice the principles of triage and basic first aid as learned in previous class.

Week 5: Disaster Psychology

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday October 5

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 6: Light Search and Rescue

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday October 13

Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most importantly rescuer safety.

Week 7: Fire Suppression

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday October 19

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 8: Course Review and Disaster Simulation

6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday October 27

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.