KEAAU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Big Island residents are invited to join a team to learn how to keep their community safe during a disaster.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense is offering both in-person and online training courses for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
The course will cover elements of emergency preparedness and response, including triage and first-aid, search and rescue and fire suppression safety.
“These classes give the people of Hawai‘i Island skills needed to protect themselves and their community during a disaster,” said Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Participants will receive hands-on training in the fundamentals of disaster response, which improves community resilience and helps save lives.”
CERT members participate in community preparedness awareness and outreach events, assist in conducting damage assessments, report on weather conditions in their community and are assigned to response operations when disaster strikes.
“Whether they act on their own during a disaster or join a volunteer CERT team in their community, CERT training is one of the building blocks for a safer Hawaiʻi Island,” said Talmadge Magno, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator. “We know getting CERT-certified through these classes is a big commitment, but anyone who gains these skills is ready to help meet the challenges our communities face.”
In-person training classes will take place on Nov. 1-2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Keaʻau Community Center.
Registration is open now until Oct. 10. Participants will receive a link to access the online portion of the course, which must be completed by Oct. 17.
To register, visit this form.