When the City of Kirkland held its first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in the fall of 2005, 24 residents attended a seven-week course designed to prepare citizens to help themselves, their immediate neighbors, and the larger community during disasters. To date, the City’s program has graduated more than 200 area residents, business representatives and city officials.

Complementing this commitment to emergency preparedness is the work of the Greater Kirkland Citizens Corps Council (GKCCC), a community-based volunteer organization whose mission is to promote disaster preparedness, through public education, training and volunteer service.

Kirkland community members are encouraged to participate in community preparedness programs and training. Some opportunities include:

Disaster Preparedness and Public Safety Programs & Training

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Map Your Neighborhood
• American Red Cross preparedness training
• City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services life safety training
• American Heart Association CPR training
• Project Impact

Community Disaster Preparedness & Response Organizations

• Greater Kirkland Citizens Corps Council (GKCCC)
• Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)
• Lake Washington School District PTSA, Emergency Preparedness Committee