Community Emergency Response Team Training in Pukalani

CERT training in fire suppression. Photo by Kimberley K. Mullen, courtesy Maui Civil Defense Agency.

By Wendy Osher

Residents interested in free training in emergency response are invited to attend CERT Basic Training in the Pukalani area this month.

CERT–short for Community Emergency Response Team–is a program that educates individuals about hazards that may impact their community, and trains them in basic disaster response.

The program on Maui is administered by the County Civil Defense Agency, funded by a Homeland Security grant, and includes instruction by members of the Maui Fire Department.

Civil Defense officials say skills taught include fire safety, light search and rescue operations, team organization and disaster medical services.

According to authorities CERT members can be called upon to give critical support to the professional first responders during large scale emergencies by providing immediate assistance to victims at a disaster site.

The upcoming CERT Basic Training workshop is a 30-hour program that takes place on six-days in July at Kekaulike High School at the following times:

• Monday, July 15: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 18: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 20: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 22: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 25: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 27: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

CERT training is open to individuals age 18 and older.  Those who are between 14 and 17-years-old may attend with a parent or legal guardian.

Interested individuals can resister via phone at (808) 270-7285, or via email at [email protected].

***Supporting information courtesy County of Maui, Civil Defense Agency.