Preparedness is not just helping in time of disaster, but is also knowing what to do on a daily basis, to help those around you when disaster strikes. The Community Emergency Response Team training is designed to prepare you to do just that.

Participants can become “first responders” among their families and friends by attending the upcoming CERT training offered by the Marysville Fire District and the Arlington, Lake Stevens and Granite Falls fire departments. This training is intended to show students how to make disaster plans and create disaster kits, as well as to provide them with basic awareness of how to aid in rendering emergency medical assistance, conducting urban search-and-rescues, and putting out small fires with fire extinguishers, as well as leading teams of volunteers to do the most good for the most people in an emergency.

CERT classes for North Snohomish County start Oct. 9th and run for seven consecutive Friday nights, three hours per night. The first class will be held at Marysville Fire District Station 62, located at 10701 Shoultes Road. The course cost is $25 to cover materials and approximately $35 for personal protective gear necessary to safely conduct the tactical applications of the course.

All skill levels are welcome to take part in the CERT course. Even those with disabilities are encouraged to participate and complete tasks they’re capable of as part of the team. An informational brochure with class times, locations and a registration form are posted on the Web sites of each fire district and department. Contact your local CERT coordinator before Oct. 5 to register.

Chris Badger, with the Arlington Fire Department, can be reached by phone at 360-403-3618 or via e-mail at cbadger@arlingtonwa.gov. The Arlington Fire Department Web site is www.ci.arlington.wa.us.

Kristen Thorstenson, with the Marysville Fire District, can be reached by phone at 360-363-8507 or via e-mail at KThorstenson@marysvillewa.gov. The Marysville Fire District Web site is www.ci.marysville.wa.us/fire.