The Maui County Emergency Management Agency is hosting Community Emergency Response Team training classes beginning April 8.

Endorsed by FEMA, the CERT program aims to train the public to prepare for any disasters they could face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises, CERT teams are trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

According to the agency, CERT volunteers can provide critical support to professional first responders by providing immediate assistance to victims at a disaster site. Representatives from the Maui Fire Department lead the basic 24-hour CERT training.

The training is free and open to all Maui County residents ages 18 or older, regardless of abilities. No previous experience is needed. Residents between the ages of 14 and 17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.

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The Central Maui CERT classes will be held at the following times:

Monday, April 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, April 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All classes are required to complete the course.

Participants must register to attend the training. Class size is limited and registration will be available on a first come, first served basis. The specific class location will be announced at a later date.

Anyone interested in the training can find more information or register by contacting Maui Emergency Management at (808) 270-7285 or at [email protected]