The City of Renton is recruiting volunteers to be part of the city’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

Registration is now open for the spring 2011 CERT Academy.

CERT is a nationwide all-hazards disaster preparedness program created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  It is also part of the national Citizens Corps program to increase preparedness through volunteerism.  CERT volunteers work with the fire department to better prepare the community to respond to disasters.

The Spring 2011 CERT Academy will begin on April 5.  Classes are held on Tuesday evenings 6 p.m.-9p.m., through May 17, with a disaster simulation 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday May 21.  CERT graduates receive 24 hours of training in fire suppression, search and rescue, first aid, disaster psychology and team organization. CERT-trained individuals are able to work as part of a team in their neighborhood in order to meet the needs of residents after a disaster.  Classes are taught by fire department personnel and local experts.

CERT Academy

The cost for the CERT Academy is $25 for Renton residents and $30 for non-residents. For more information about CERT contact Mindi Mattson at 425-430-7041. To register for CERT visit rentonwa.gov and click on the recreation division and then on cybersignup.org.