Nine teen students completed the three-day My PI Hawaii, or My Preparedness Initiative, program in Lihue, which included the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
UH Manoa Extension Agent, Laura Kawamura, worked with the Kauai Fire CERT coordinators to instruct the students on disaster preparedness, fire safety and suppression, disaster medical ops and search and rescue. In addition, the youth participated in a communicty service project whereby they worked with 7 families to develop Emergency Preparedness Kits and Plans.
As quoted in a story in the Kauai Garden Island newspaper about the event, Kawamura said, “These are the newest CERT team members. They are ready to be activated in times of need… . They don’t just jump in — they need to wait for activation. But they are ready to work with the community. They are the future adult CERT force.”