CERT Classes Offered in Kahului in September
By Wendy Osher
Residents interested in free training in emergency response are invited to attend CERT Basic Training in Kahului in September.
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 28-hour program that takes place on four-days in September in Kahului at the following times and locations:
- Sept. 7 MFD Training Room (200 Dairy Road) 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 14 MFD Training Room (200 Dairy Road) 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 21 MFD Training Room (200 Dairy Road) 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 28 Maui High School (Bldg. A) 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CERT training is open to individuals age 18 and older and no previous experience is required. Individuals between the ages of 14 and 17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.
Participants must register to attend the training by contacting the Maui Civil Defense agency at 270-7285 or via email at: [email protected].