'Victims' Needed for Kirkland Disaster Drill

Kirkland members of the national Community Emergency Response Training program (CERT) are seeking volunteer “victims” for a disaster simulation drill on Sunday, March 4 at the .

Some 15-20 volunteers are needed to serve as pretend disaster victims so a current class of CERT trainees can practice newly learned skills in search and rescue, medical operations and triage.

Volunteer victims should plan to show up at the center (352 Kirkland Ave.) at 7:30 a.m. for make-up, and the drill will last until 1 p.m. Snacks and pizza -- and gratitude -- will be provided.

The training is extremely important to allow the teams to be prepared for the event a real emergency. Although the program is done in cooperation with the city of Kirkland, the course was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration and is conducted locally by the Kirkland Citizens Corps, said Debra Peterson, who is helping coordinate the event.

Parental consent is required of those under 18. To volunteer or for details, contact Peterson at debra.peterson@live.com or call 206-669-7262.