How to help keep Vashon resilient and well-prepared

Published 12:08 pm Thursday, October 2, 2025

Have you ever wondered how you can help your neighbors and community in times of crisis?

Do you wonder what skills you would need? Would you know who to contact? Vashon Island’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is recruiting new members to join our dedicated team of volunteers. Join our dedicated team of volunteers by signing up for the 2026 training. Together, we help ensure that Vashon Island remains resilient and well-prepared for emergencies and disasters.

During an event, trained CERT members bridge the gap between citizens and first responders, by providing immediate assistance and support, thus allowing professional responders to focus on more critical needs. Our non-disaster activities include island infrastructure and critical location assessments, missing person searches, first aid and basic triage during mass-casualty events, public health efforts, such as vaccination and testing sites, and other missions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) nationwide CERT curriculum focuses on community and personal disaster preparedness and response. Vashon CERT, sponsored by Vashon Island Fire and Rescue (VIFR) and in partnership with the King County Office of Emergency Services, leverages this program to meet our island’s specific challenges.

Vashon CERT Basic Course starts in early 2026. This comprehensive 8-week training course is conducted one day a week and covers a wide range of life-saving topics, including: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations, Search and Rescue Techniques. The training is supported by hands-on practice and simulations, ensuring participants are ready to respond effectively during an emergency. By joining Vashon CERT, you learn life-saving skills to help you, your family, and your community.

Vashon CERT works in collaboration with local emergency services, including VIFR, and partners with schools, faith-based organizations, neighborhood response teams (NEROs), businesses, and other disaster response organizations such as VashonBePrepared, ACS, MRC, and MERT.

We are eager to hear from those interested in becoming part of this important effort. If you would like more information or wish to reserve a spot in the course, please reach out to us via email, and we will provide further details at cert@vashonbeprepared.com.

Become a Vashon CERT member today—help strengthen our island’s disaster readiness, gain valuable skills, and make a meaningful impact when it matters most. Together, we help ensure that Vashon Island remains resilient and well-prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Vashon CERT membership requires a 2-year commitment to quarterly training and exercises designed to keep your skills sharp.

Join Vashon CERT today—help strengthen our our island’s disaster readiness, gain valuable skills, and make a meaningful impact when it matters most.

MJ Witt is the manager of the Vashon CERT team.