The city of Kirkland had a graduating class of 18 Kirkland residents for its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) on Dec. 9.

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.

Participants received a learning manual, hardhat, vest, backpack and emergency supplies. The program is sponsored by city of Kirkland and Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council.