As Japan faces the aftermath of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck its northeastern coast, the City of Mercer Island is encouraging Islanders to be prepared for emergencies in case a similar disaster ever happened in the Seattle area.

“Be aware that the potential for a similar type quake that occurred in Japan (March 11) can strike the Seattle area. Japan’s disaster provides us with the constant reminder to prepare ourselves for this eventuality,” the city posted in a release on its Web site.

Islanders can learn more about emergency preparedness on the city Web site at http://www.mercergov.org/emergencyprep and can access the Regional Public Information Network at http://www.rpin.org for breaking news alerts from multiple agencies (emergency response, government, transportation, utility and health) in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The first class in the City of Mercer Island’s 2011 Emergency Volunteer CERT Training Series, beginning this weekend, will focus on basic disaster preparedness from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday, March 19, in the City Hall Council Chambers at 9611 S.E. 36th Street. Classes will be held monthly with a break in September for the citywide disaster drill. For more information about the class, contact Officer Jennifer Franklin at (206) 275-7905.