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The main goal of Citizen Corps is to prepare the nation by uniting communities, providing a unique opportunity for people to join with friends, neighbors, and local leaders to ensure the safety of their area. Developed in response to the national call for Americans to work together to strengthen homeland security, King County has established a nationally-registered Regional Citizen Corps Council to assist in the coordination of local volunteer emergency response opportunities and information in our region.
The goals of the King County Regional Citizen Corp Council are to:
- Stimulate interest in community safety at the grass roots level.
- Provide accurate information on available resources.
- Coordinate regional interests in order to avoid duplication of efforts.
- When available, create funding for increased growth of these valuable programs.
Citizen Corp Programs
Citizen Corps strives to encourage and assist Americans in becoming more involved in the hometown security of their communities and our country. Don't hesitate to learn more! The following programs provide excellent volunteer service opportunities:
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Citizen Corps Councils
Helps drive local citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats, and identifying local resources. For a list of Citizen Corps Councils in Washington State click here.
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The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
A training program that prepares people in neighborhoods, the workplace, and schools to take a more active role in emergency management planning, and to prepare themselves and others for disasters.
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Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP)
Incorporates terrorism prevention and education into its existing crime prevention mission.
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Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
Provides support for resource-constrained police departments by utilizing civilian volunteers in order to free up more law enforcement professionals for frontline duty. Click here to link to "Introduction to VIPS" videos.
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The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Coordinates volunteer health professionals during large-scale emergencies to assist emergency response teams, provide care to victims with less serious injuries, and remove other burdens that inhibit the effectiveness of physicians and nurses in a major crisis.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Nationally coordinates Citizen Corps efforts at state and local levels.
Be Proactive About Your Community's Safety - Join a CERT Team!
Sponsored and developed by FEMA, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program is designed to equip volunteers with disaster preparedness education and operational experience in areas like light search and rescue and disaster medical assistance. This training enables CERT members to actively support emergency responders in disaster situations, as well as provide critical care for their neighbors until first responders arrive. CERT training provides an excellent base for citizens to actively engage in aiding their neighborhoods and workplaces, making CERT an integral part of our regional security.
King County offers multiple opportunities for CERT training. For a comprehensive list of regional Washington State CERT providers and course program information, click here (external link). Additionally, the CERT website provides a link to the no-cost, web-based FEMA course, "Introduction to CERT," which provides a valuable overview to the program. Following is a list of local CERT training available. Additional classes will be added throughout the year.
Auburn:
Classes:
March 6-29 Tues/Thurs 9am-Noon. (4 weeks)
May 2-June 9 Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm (6 weeks)
Drills:
Saturdays May 12 and June 9 from 8am-Noon
Saturdays October 27 and November 17 from 8am-Noon
Classes pending grant funding:
August 21-23, daily, 8am-5pm
October 9 - November 17 Tuesdays 6:30pm-9:30pm (6 Weeks)
Classes are free and open to anyone, pre-registration required. For more information or to register, call 253-876-1925 or e-mail emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov. An application form may be downloaded at: http://www.auburnwa.gov/disaster.
Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Woodinville:
January 12 - March 1 Thursdays 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (8 weeks)
April 12 - May 31 Thursdays 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (8 weeks)
September 13 - November 1 Thursdays 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (8 weeks)
Citizens within the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) areas of Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Woodinville are given priority for the class. There is a $45.00 fee. For more information contact Jamie Gravelle at (425)776-3722, or email: Jamie@ESCA1.com.
Renton:
March 21 - May 9 Wednesdays 6:00pm – 9:00pm (no class April 11th)
May 12th/morning – disaster simulation
Fee is $25 for Renton residents and $30 for non-residents. More info available at http://www/rentonwa.gov/cert or call 435-430-7041.
Volunteer Today!
To learn more about service opportunities in your community and other regions throughout the United States, check out the "USA Freedom Corps" link for ways you can serve your country.
Contact information:
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Web |
www.kingcounty.gov/prepare |
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Call |
206-205-4070 |
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Toll Free |
1-800-523-5044 |
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TTY |
206-205-7516 |
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Fax |
206-205-4056 |
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E-mail |
ecc.kc@kingcounty.gov |
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Address |
King County Office of Emergency Management |
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Citizen Corps/CERT Coordinator: Barnaby Dow |
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Renton, Washington |
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Office hours: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. |
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