September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Ready in Renton Month, sponsored by the City of Renton.
The Ready in Renton campaign emphasizes basic emergency preparedness: make a plan, build a kit, help each other. When everyone does what they can to prepare, the risk of injury and loss is reduced, and demand on emergency responders is decreased.
As part of Ready in Renton, the city is actively recruiting volunteers to be part of the city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. CERT is a nationwide, all-hazards, disaster-preparedness program created by the FEMA.
CERT volunteers are trained to take on leadership roles in their neighborhoods following a disaster. CERT classes begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 and continue each Tuesday evening through Nov. 3. Participants receive 24 hours of training in fire suppression, search and rescue, first aid, disaster psychology and team organization, and participate in a disaster simulation on Nov. 7.
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 and police department personnel and local experts.
The cost is $25 for Renton residents and $30 for non-residents. For more information about CERT and how to register, visit rentonwa.gov/CERT or call 425-430-7041.
The scenario most likely to result in an activation of the city’s CERT members is an earthquake. Because of our geographic location, the Puget Sound region is vulnerable to significant earthquake and volcanic activity.
This year, Ready in Renton is planning a special focus on earthquake preparedness. Prepare by taking the following steps:
1) Go to makeitthrough.org/earthquake to get detailed information about earthquakes and general emergency preparedness.
2) Plan to participate in the Great Washington Shake Out earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 15. “Drop, Cover, and Hold” is the correct protective action to take in an earthquake.
3) Keep an emergency kit in your home and car with water, nonperishable food, emergency contact information, cash, prescription medications, flashlight, a battery operated radio, and extra batteries.
4) Make sure your home has been updated to meet current seismic codes, including bolting your house to its foundation and strapping the hot water heater in place.
5) Talk to your loved ones about how you will communicate if phones aren’t working.
6) Sign up for Renton RedAlert, the mass notification system that can alert residents with urgent information from the city. Register at rentonwa.gov/rentonredalert
For more information visit rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7000.
