The City of Auburn Emergency Management Division is offering a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course to area residents.

The six-week course meets on Tuesdays – Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31 and Nov. 7, 14 – from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Two Saturday drills from 8 a.m. to noon are on Oct. 28 and Nov. 18. All classes are in downtown Auburn.

Class members are required to provide some basic equipment, such as sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves. Other necessary supplies and equipment will be provided. A complete list of required equipment will be provided upon registration.

The class is free, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to download a course application, visit auburnwa.gov. Questions may be directed to the Emergency Management Division at emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov or to 253-876-1925.

About CERT training

CERT training is comprised of 24-plus hours of classroom education and hands-on practice in topics including disaster preparedness, emergency management, fire safety/suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster communication, disaster psychology and all-hazards identification and awareness.

Graduates have the opportunity to become registered emergency workers with their respective cities and the state of Washington, allowing them to aid in local and regional disasters. Graduates also have the opportunity to participate in local and regional continuing education activities, including training and field exercises. Courses are taught by fire department and emergency management professionals from the City of Auburn, as well as the Valley Regional Fire Authority.