'Victims' Needed for Kirkland Disaster Drill on April 28

Kirkland members of the national Community Emergency Response Training program (CERT) are seeking volunteers to act as “victims” for a disaster simulation drill on Sunday, April 28 at the Peter Kirk Community Center.

Volunteers are made up by a professional artists with pretend but realistic looking injuries during the disaster simulation. The drill is designed to allow the city’s spring class of 25 CERT trainees to 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.) around noon for make-up, and the drill will run from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Snacks and pizza -- and gratitude -- will be provided.

The training is 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.

Youth 16 to 18 will need a consent form signed by parents. Those 14 to 16 may participate with a parent present. To register, or for more information: Jstansell@kirklandwa.gov.