One of the unique issues that Mercer Island faces is the fact that in a catastrophic event, the City of Mercer Island may become an island with limited access on and off the Island. With six city staff who live on Mercer Island and only 11 public safety employees on duty after hours, it is paramount that citizens be prepared to take care of themselves for seven days and help each other should the need arise.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Mercer Island citizens did just that. Approximately 181 residents have taken Mercer Island’s (CERT) Community Emergency Response Team classes. These classes are held one Saturday each month for 11 months. Mercer Island currently has 40 CERT graduates, and the newest CERT graduates are Joan Belady, Tom Campbell, Doug DiJulio, Joel Ohringer, Jeff Ohringer, Tina Rogers, John Nielsen and Leslie Scott.

Mercer Island is fortunate in that this community has an amazing resource in its citizens. The level of expertise is invaluable. Currently, 971 volunteers have provided their contact information in the event of a disaster.

If you are interested in volunteering or taking the city’s Community Emergency Response Team classes, please go to www.mercergov.org/emergencyprep for the class schedule. Classes are free.

The city’s next CERT class is on March 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers.