Issaquah Citizen Corps will offer an emergency response class in a new, shorter format this month.

The Community Emergency Response Team program provides basic training in disaster readiness and rescue skills to save lives and people and property during the first three to seven minutes, the most critical period until responders may respond. Training provides classroom lectures and discussions with hands-on experience. The course is taught by FEMA certified CERT trainers and subject-matter experts.

Course highlights are:

• Learning how to prepare and respond in the event of an emergency or disaster.
• Learning to use a fire extinguisher and put out a fire.
• Mastering first aid basics.
• Training on how to triage injuries.
• Gaining practical knowledge for light search and rescue.
• Practicing skills in drill scenarios.

Classes are weekly on Saturday starting Jan. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held at the Issaquah Public Works building, 670 First Ave. N.E. The series ends with a disaster simulation drill on March 8.

Cost is $35 and covers course materials and a basic CERT backpack. For more information or to register for the classes, go to IssaquahCitizenCorps.org.