WANIC summer CERT class teaches emergency response skills while building confidence and leadership
Taking a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class is an essential step in empowering people to respond effectively during crises. That is why training classes are offered to students in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) as part of the Summer School program. Emergency CERT Instructor Danna Kapacinskas is teaching students vital skills that can save lives and help reduce damage during emergencies.
The CERT class is in partnership with LWSD, Northshore School District (NSD), and WANIC (Washington Network for Innovative Careers) Skill Center. Students take the class for three weeks, seven hours a day.
In this hands-on class, Kapacinskas leads the curriculum based on national CERT standards developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “My class is a comprehensive program that trains students in disaster preparedness and emergency response,” said Kapacinskas. “Over the summer, students will learn essential skills, such as fire safety and suppression, medical triage and first aid, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and how to operate within the Incident Command System (ICS).”
By gaining these skills, students can assist themselves, their families and their communities until first responders arrive during an emergency– making a significant difference during critical moments, especially when professional responders are overwhelmed or unavailable.
The class is intensive and skills-based, culminating in a full-scale disaster simulation, where students can apply what they have learned in a realistic setting. This experiential learning approach helps solidify their understanding and helps them build confidence in handling emergency situations.
Beyond technical skills, the class emphasizes the development of critical life and leadership skills. Kapacinskas notes, “This class builds essential skills by preparing students to be future-ready, resilient and community-minded. Students gain confidence in high-pressure situations, learn how to communicate effectively in teams and develop problem-solving abilities.”
Many students who complete the class go on to serve in school safety roles, volunteer with emergency organizations or pursue careers in public safety, healthcare or emergency management.
The program also fosters important civic values, such as teamwork, responsibility and a growth mindset – qualities that benefit students throughout their lives.
Kapacinskas finds great fulfillment in teaching CERT. “I love seeing students realize just how capable they are,” she said. “Watching them step into leadership roles, learn real-world skills and push beyond their comfort zones is incredibly rewarding. Summer classes are particularly enjoyable due to the smaller group sizes, which allows for personalized instruction and deeper hands-on engagement.”
Every year, students tell Kapacinskas that this class changed their perspective on their abilities and their role within the community. For her, that impact is the most fulfilling part of teaching CERT.
Taking this class is more than just acquiring emergency response skills. It’s about building confidence, leadership and a sense of civic responsibility. These qualities not only prepare students to face emergencies, but also foster resilience and proactive engagement within their communities.
