The Puget Sound area has weathered two winter storm events so far this year, and more may still be on the way.  The best way to avoid harm during these or other non-weather related disasters is to be prepared.  The City of Redmond Office of Emergency Management is offering Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training beginning Thursday, February 5 from 6 to 9 pm at Redmond Fire Headquarters, 8450 161st Avenue NE. The program continues on Thursday evenings for eight weeks.

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact this area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.  Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available.

The cost of the class is $35.00 per person.  To register, call Redmond Fire at 425-556-2200.  For questions, contact Janeen Olson, CERT volunteer, at janeen.olson@verizon.net.   Teens wanting to participate must be a least 16 years of age and accompanied by a parent.

The above is from a press release from the City of Redmond. (Marta Gronlund)