Free CERT Disaster Preparedness Training in Pukalani

CERT training. Photo courtesy: County of Maui, Civil Defense Agency.

The Maui Civil Defense Agency and Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety will host Community Emergency Response Team or CERT training at King Kekaulike High School in Pukalani during the month of September.

CERT is a training program that prepares people to help themselves, their family, and their neighbors in the event of a disaster.

The program educates people about disaster preparedness for 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. With the training learned in the classroom and exercises, CERT volunteer teams can assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT volunteers also support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects.

Training is free to Maui County residents and is open to people of all abilities, age 18 and older.  Participants between ages 14-17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.  No previous experience needed.

The 24-hour course is taught by instructors with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety over the course of several days, consisting of classroom instruction and field exercises.

The schedule for Upcountry classes is as follows:

9/14 Wednesday King Kekaulike High School – Cafeteria 5:30-8:30 p.m.
9/15 Thursday King Kekaulike High School – Cafeteria 5:30-8 p.m.
9/17 Saturday King Kekaulike High School – Cafeteria 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
9/21 Wednesday King Kekaulike High School – Cafeteria 5:30-8:30 p.m.
9/22 Thursday King Kekaulike High School – Cafeteria 5:30-9 p.m.
9/24 Saturday Old Maui High School 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Participation in all classes is required to complete the program. Participants must register to attend the training. Class size is limited and registration will be on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Maui Civil Defense Agency at (808) 270-7285 or email cert@mauicounty.gov.