During a disaster, CERT volunteers may provide critical support to emergency responders by assisting with damage assessment information and helping victims until professional emergency responders arrive on scene.

Maui Civil Defense Agency and Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety will host Community Emergency Response Team or CERT training in Pukalani in September.

Free CERT classes will be available through September, volunteers will learn basic disaster response skills to assist in their community in case of a disaster.

A total of 33 individuals graduated with the latest Community Emergency Response Team training classes held in Pukalani, Kīhei and Hāna on Maui.

The 24-hour course is taught over four Saturdays, consisting of classroom instruction and field exercises. CERT is a training program that prepares members of the public to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors in the event of a disaster.

The 28-hour course takes place on four Saturdays next month. All Classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be held at the Molokaʻi High School cafeteria on May 3, 10, 17, and 31.

The 28-hour course takes place on four Saturdays in March between the 1st and the 22nd. Skills taught include fire safety, light search and rescue operations, team organization and disaster medical services.

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.

Residents interested in free training in emergency response are invited to attend CERT Basic Training in West Maui next month.

The recent tsunami on Maui has many asking how they can help or volunteer in future disasters.

Volunteers go through 30 hours of training, receive personal protective equipment upon graduation, and are placed on a team in the community where they live.

Lahaina Cannery Mall will host the 2009 West Maui Safety Fair on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than a dozen local, state and federal agencies will share information on crime prevention, disaster preparedness, public health, personal safety, and children and senior resource information. Participating organizations include Civil Defense and CERT... Read more »

(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009) More than a dozen local, state and federal agencies will share information on crime prevention, disaster preparedness, public health, personal safety at the 2009 West Maui Safety Fair. The event will be held a the Lahaina Cannery Mall on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The... Read more »

The county is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training beginning in March.  CERT members are volunteers who offer support to first responders during large scale emergencies or assist with non-emergency projects to improve safety in the community.  Each session is free and includes 30 hours of classroom and hands on training.  To register call... Read more »