Maui Civil Defense Offers Free Disaster Preparedness Training

CERT training in fire suppression. Local government prepares for everyday emergencies, however during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents increases dramatically and professional first responders may not be immediately available in all areas. Photo courtesy Maui Civil Defense Agency.

By Maui Now Staff

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program will offer training September through October Upcountry and in South Maui.

CERT training helps people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities.

This valuable course educates people about hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

When emergencies happen, CERT members can lend critical support to professional first responders by providing immediate assistance to victims at a disaster site.

CERT Basic Training is a 24-hour program, taught over several days, consisting of classroom instruction and field exercises.

CERT training is open to people of all abilities, age 18 and older, no previous experience needed. Ages 14 to 17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.

Participants must register to attend the training. Class size is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

CERT is sponsored by the Maui Civil Defense Agency and taught by Maui Fire Department instructors.

Participants must attend all classes to complete the course.

Upcountry CERT Schedule at King Kekaulike High School
Sept. 1, Tuesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Sept. 8, Tuesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Sept. 15, Tuesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Sept. 22, Tuesday, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Sept. 29, Tuesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Oct. 6, Tuesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Oct. 13, Tuesday, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

South Maui CERT Schedule at Lokelani Intermediate School
Oct. 7, Wednesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Oct. 8, Thursday, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Oct. 10, Saturday, 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Oct. 14, Wednesday, 5:30–8 p.m.
Oct. 15, Thursday, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17, Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Upcoming CERT training in other locations can be found online.

For further information and to register for a CERT course, contact Maui Civil Defense at 270-7285 or via email.