Courtesy of Federal Way Emergency Management

The Federal Way Emergency Management Department offers several opportunities for you to get involved in preparedness and emergency response assistance.

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)

This course is designed for individuals who wish to gain the knowledge and skills required to perform basic emergency response actions immediately following a disaster such as an earthquake, fire or severe weather storm. Immediately following such an event, professional emergency responders may become overwhelmed and unable to provide emergency services to all affected. The CERT course provides a basic introduction to emergency response principles that can be applied at any community location.

Participants must be at least age 16. Course is 25 hours to be completed within a consecutive seven-week time frame. Next class starts Oct. 1, Thursday evenings. Space is limited to the first 35.

Neighborhood Emergency Training (NET)

This course is designed for small neighborhood groups (15-20 households) who wish to be better prepared to care for and assist one another immediately following a disaster. The course is taught in a “train-the-trainer” format in which one or two representatives of the neighborhood will be provided detailed instruction on how to organize a NET program within their area. After receiving training, these individuals will use provided materials to then conduct their local neighborhood program.

There are no pre-requisites. The neighborhood training representative must be at least age 16. Train-the-trainer course is two hours while the neighborhood training is approximately two to four hours depending on neighborhood preference. Next class: Oct. 26, evening, space is limited to first 35.

Community Action Team (CAT)

CAT team members will be asked to assist in citywide emergency response efforts under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and must be willing to become a registered emergency worker. Members of the CAT program receive advanced skills training and will be asked to participate in scheduled emergency exercises. Additional training may include such topics as advanced rescue techniques, shelter operations, damage assessment, EOC support and amateur radio operation.

Pre-requisites include CERT training, and participants must be at least 18. To learn about the next class, e-mail FWEM@cityoffederalway.com.

Preparedness survey

Federal Way Emergency Management is now conducting an Emergency Preparedness Survey. Public input is a key factor in determining emergency preparedness support needs in the community. Please take the time to complete the survey which will be available on the city’s Web site through Aug. 31. The survey consists of 15 questions and only takes about 5 minutes to complete and is totally anonymous. Everyone’s participation is welcome.

If you have questions or thoughts for the Federal Way Emergency Management Department, e-mail FWEM@cityoffederalway.com.