Sequim CERT

It's already a hot, dry summer. Please follow all burn bans where posted if you're recreating in our beautiful outdoor spaces!
https://www.myclallamcounty.com/2026/06/18/olympic-park-and-forest-fire-managers-declare-start-of-fire-season/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAShRlRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR50r8o8_-HthVDvpqCmxulWsSjy24HX7aEcrUWeI4ckKdY_G_CHtDMXmYbyTg_aem_XQpig4mczGpAA2m8XmscVw

Olympic Park and Forest Fire Managers Declare Start of Fire Season PORT ANGELES — Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest officials have declared the start of fire season after weeks of hot, dry weather across the Olympic Peninsula. Fire crews have extinguished several small fires in the

CERT Tip Tuesday was spent at a safety awareness presentation by Clallam PUD safety manager Angel Torres. Lots of interesting information about electricity and what to do if a major disaster causes lines to go down (it's almost always due to vegetation around here).

Big takeaways:
⚡️Always assume any downed line is LIVE.
🔌🚶‍♀️Stay 30 feet away, at least.
📞 Call it in to Clallam PUD ASAP: 360-452-9771

In a major disaster, it is likely the routes to and from our area will be affected, making it difficult for even the most basic supplies to be delivered by road. On Saturday, CERT and the Clallam County Disaster Airlift Response Team (DART) participated in an annual exercise known as 'Thunder Run', drilling the process of moving essential items to the Sequim Operational Area.

DART pilots flew food into Sequim Valley Airport, Blue Ribbon Airstrip, and Diamond Point Airport, where CERT teams 2, 3, and 14 offloaded the supplies and packed them into vehicles to deliver to the Sequim Food Bank.

This kind of cooperation between CERT and other community organizations is essential, allowing members to have real-world experience in the supply chain process.

Big thanks to everyone who participated under the leadership of CERT Captain Donna Stoffel!

Pic credits: Jim Olson, Charlie Meyer

Q: What's the structure of CERT? Who makes all the decisions and logistical plans?

A: CERT uses a command structure to make sure all rescuers are safe and to keep program-wide accountability. Using a formal system, the chance for post-disaster chaos among our all-volunteer force is greatly reduced, especially if professional emergency services are not available for hours or days. Interested in being part of a team doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people? Join CERT! FREE academy classes resume in September. Call 360.504.2531 for more information or to register.

This graphic provides some insight into the structure.
Glossary (because we love our acronyms!):
ICP = Incident Command Post
S & R = Search and Rescue
Cpt = Captain
SL = Squad Leader

CERT Tip Tuesday: The waterways, lakes, creeks, and rivers of the Olympic Peninsula are C.O.L.D. Be aware and be safe (and wear that PFD, always)!

Temperatures will warm up across the area through Tuesday, however the water temperatures across western Washington remain cold! Make sure to always wear a life jacket in & around the water. Keep a close eye on children & pets near the water as well.

And that's a wrap for CERT Academy until fall! Congratulations to the most recent graduates. We're thankful for your time and talent! 🙌👏👏🏆

Interested in joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)? Call 360-504-2531 and register for the fall course (dates TBA) today. Classes are held over three consecutive Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cover skills of light search and rescue, basic triage, and the systems of disaster management.

It's not ALL work! CERT members appeared in the annual Sequim Irrigation Festival parade and had a blast. The talented Randall Wingett captured the spirit of CERT incredibly well, and we're glad to have him as part of the team!

CERT Volunteers March in the 2026 Sequim Irrigation Festival Grand Parade This is the third year that I marched with fellow CERT volunteers in the Sequim Irrigation Festival Grand Parade. The hazy sunlight made for perfect lighting...

CERT Tip Tuesday: The wonderful team at Clallam Ready has created a 'quiz' for our community members. How ready are you? Click the link below and find out!
https://www.bellelealand.net/_files/ugd/93ebf6_20a8f2998961407285723b0dd0045b5b.pdf