Community Emergency Response Team or CERT training is now open for registration for the winter 2014 class in Kirkland. This eight week course will start Feb. 20 and be held the following seven Mondays from 6-9 p.m. and includes a final drill on April 27.

The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their 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 to help.

Cost for the eight-week course is $35 for Kirkland residents and $50 for non-residents. Participants will receive a learning manual, hardhat, vest, backpack and emergency supplies. The program is sponsored by city of Kirkland and Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council.

For additional information or to register go here. There is a maximum of 32 students.