CERT program enhances emergency preparedness in Kittitas County

Over the past two years, members of the Central Washington University and Kittitas County communities have benefited from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which equips people with essential skills for responding to emergencies.

Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the national CERT program focuses on fundamental skills that residents should possess in the event of a disaster, particularly when emergency services are unavailable. While there are many CERT chapters across the Northwest, a number of counties have experienced a decline in participation in recent years.

CWU Emergency Management Coordinator Robert Cepeda is actively working to revitalize the CERT program in Kittitas County, serving as the program manager since it launched in 2023.

“Our mission is to foster resilience within the university community and throughout Kittitas County, ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively when government agencies are delayed,” Cepeda said, highlighting the urgency of community preparedness.

He pointed to recent catastrophic events such as hurricanes in North Carolina and wildfires in California, along with the additional challenges presented by nationwide staffing reductions in emergency services.

“These events can happen anywhere,” he said. “We need to be ready.”

In November, Cepeda and his colleague, George Long, conducted a CERT training event that certified 10 participants, including five CWU faculty members. Long began working at CWU last fall as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education and Professional Services (CEPS) and he brings extensive experience from his previous role at KITTCOM.

“George deserves considerable recognition for his efforts in launching this program,” Cepeda said. “His expertise and connections have significantly contributed to our success, and we are deeply appreciative of his dedication.”

Participants earning their certifications at the November 16 training included CWU faculty members David Douglas, Jason Allen, Hideki Takei, and Julia Sager, along with a CWU student. Safety Management Professor Jennifer Serne participated in the inaugural training in 2023 and assisted with the practicum.

The CERT training courses offered by the CWU Office of Emergency Management are available in both in-person and hybrid formats. The hybrid option features a series of online lessons, developed in collaboration with the University of Utah School of Medicine. This format is accessible to all, and upon completion of the online component, participants can proceed to the hands-on training.

“After finishing the online course, participants can choose to continue with the in-person practicum,” Cepeda explained. “Some individuals prefer to enhance their knowledge, while others opt for the practical training.”

The November training session also welcomed several community members not affiliated with CWU and utilized equipment donated from former CERT programs in Chelan and Douglas counties.

Cepeda and Long are preparing for the next in-person practicum scheduled for Saturday, February 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the CWU Police and Parking Services building. Anyone interested should contact Long at george.long@cwu.edu.

“Communities continue to face significant challenges from natural disasters, and it is crucial that we are capable of self-sufficiency while awaiting governmental assistance,” Cepeda said. “The objective of this program is to equip individuals with the psychological and practical skills necessary to address their community's needs before additional help arrives.”