Emergency response team seeks volunteers

EVERETT — Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management is looking for volunteers to join its Community Emergency Response Team.

Firefighters and paramedics might have trouble meeting a heavy demand for service after a disaster. The response team, also known as CERT, helps fill those roles to treat injuries and save lives.

Team members learn how to prepare for disasters, administer basic first aid, conduct search-and-rescue operations and understand the psychological effects disasters have on people. Training lasts seven weeks — three hours a night, one night per week. The training is free, aside from personal safety equipment.

Classes begin Wednesday at the emergency management department’s training facility at 3509 109th St. SW, Everett. Classes run from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday through Oct. 21.

For more information on the program or to register, e-mail Stephen Hagberg at Stephen.Hagberg@snoco.org or call 425-754-4733.