Learn skills to help respond to a major disaster by taking a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course.

The sessions begin March 8 and are free to the public and business community. The Kent Fire Department and Kent Emergency Management office will run the classes.

Following a major disaster, area residents and businesses will be forced to rely on themselves and each other to treat the injured, mitigate disaster related problems and protect people and property, according to a Kent Fire Department media release.

Emergency responders will be overwhelmed, hospitals inundated with injured people, while normal services such as electricity, sewer and water may not be available. It is critical to everyone’s survival that basic emergency skills be learned to allow people to be self sufficient for the first 72 hours following the disaster.

CERT is an eight-week course which meets one day each week for 3½ hours. Two sessions are offered, the first running from 1-4:30 p.m. to accommodate the business community and the second from 6-9:30 p.m. for residents. The classes are offered at several Kent fire stations.

During the eight weeks, students will learn a variety of skills and knowledge that will better prepare them for a disaster or other situation where normal resources are unavailable. Topics include:

• Disaster Preparedness – preventative measures to mitigate the effects of a disaster

• Triage/Disaster First Aid – the rapid assessment and treatment of injured people

• Fire Extinguishment – handling and use of a portable fire extinguisher

• Search and Rescue –location and removal of people from danger

• Disaster Psychology – understanding psychological issues related to a disaster

Class space is limited. To register or for more information, call Program Coordinator Kimberly Behymer at 253-856-4440.