Disaster Preparedness Training Comes to Pukalani

CERT Training, courtesy County of Maui.

By Wendy Osher

The County of Maui hosts its next round of disaster preparedness training, this time in Upcountry Maui, beginning on July 16, 2012.

The six-day, 30-hour Community Emergency Response Team program or CERT, provides basic disaster response skill training.

Areas of focus include fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

When major disasters occur, CERT members can be called upon for critical support to provide immediate assistance to victims.

CERT training in fire suppression. Photo courtesy Maui Civil Defense Agency.

The Upcountry classes run from June 16 to the 28 at the Jesus Is Alive Church in Pukalani at the following dates and times:

• 7/16 Monday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• 7/19 Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• 7/21 Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• 7/23 Monday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• 7/26 Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• 7/28 Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

CERT training is free for Maui residents and open to individuals of all abilities, ages 18 and up, with no previous experience needed. Individuals age 14-17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.

The program is sponsored by the Maui County Civil Defense Agency and taught by instructors from the Maui Fire Department.

To register, contact Charnan Carroll, Civil Defense Staff Specialist & CERT Program Manager, at 270-7285 or email [email protected].