Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training to Begin on September 14

Flagler County, Fla. – Learn basic skills for the disasters and emergencies likely to impact Flagler County. This includes fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and basic first aid – all taught through the Community Emergency Response Team nationally-certified training program, which begins on September 14. It’s free.

“The program is an invaluable partnership between the community and professional first responders,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “CERT provides a consistent, nationwide approach to disaster volunteer training and organization. Previous experience is not necessary – just a desire to learn and help others.”

Flagler County’s CERT program is made possible through a partnership between Emergency Management and the nonprofit Flagler Volunteer Services.

“It is a way to improve countywide preparedness by providing members of our community with additional knowledge and tools to get ready for and respond to emergencies and disasters,” Lord said. “When our residents are trained in these basic disaster skills, it allows neighbors to help each other while our first responders are focusing on the most critical needs in a disaster.”

The Fall 2026 CERT program will educate residents about topics such as: disaster preparedness; team organization; disaster first aid; disaster psychology; fire safety and utility controls; light search and rescue; and terrorism. The crowning events are disaster simulation and graduation on the last day of the program.

Registration is required, and attendance at all sessions is necessary to receive certification. Digital participant manuals and all course materials are provided.

Questions should be directed to EOC@FlaglerCounty.gov.