LIHUE — Emergency responders make up less than half of a percent of the Kauai population. More are needed. In the event of a hurricane, tsunami, or even a terrorist attack, the County of Kauai will be training volunteers to
LIHUE — Emergency responders make up less than half of a percent of the Kauai population.
More are needed.
In the event of a hurricane, tsunami, or even a terrorist attack, the County of Kauai will be training volunteers to play a supporting role.
Community Emergency Response Team volunteers provide support for police, fire and medical and Civil Defense in the event of a disaster or emergency. Teams are in Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Lihue, Koloa, Kalaheo and Waimea-Kekaha.
“The goal is to improve Kauai’s disaster resilience,” said John Cornell CERT coordinator with the Kauai Fire Department. “We want to build the program to where there is an active team in every community. It all comes down to being resilient and stable in the community after an event.”
Volunteers will complete a free six-week basic disaster response skills course and then work with their local teams at monthly meetings and annual trainings.
Courses will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 5 to March 12 at KFD headquarters in the Lihue Civic Center, 4444 Rice Street, Suite. 315. Classes will also be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays Feb. 17 to March 24 at Kilauea Neighborhood Center.
To register call 645-0661, email kfdcert@kauai.gov, or visit www.kauai.gov/cert.
