About US
What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains volunteers to prepare for and respond to the hazards that may impact their communities. Participants learn essential disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and basic disaster medical operations. CERT provides a consistent, nationwide framework for volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disasters, allowing them to focus on complex and life-threatening incidents. Through this approach, CERT strengthens community capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
While CERT follows a nationally recognized training model, it was intentionally designed as a grassroots program, giving local and state program managers the flexibility to tailor CERT to their community’s unique needs. CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively during emergencies, and they often support their communities during planned events and non-emergency activities as well. Today, more than 2,700 local CERT programs exist nationwide, with over 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.
The CERT program was developed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985 to train civilians to assist during large-scale emergencies, a need highlighted by the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. In 1993, FEMA expanded CERT nationally, providing Train-the-Trainer and Program Manager courses to fire, medical, and emergency management professionals. Since then, CERT training has grown across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, strengthening community resilience and preparedness.
The Florida CERT Association (FCA) offers a connected network where members can access specialized training, share resources, receive mentorship, and have a collective voice to strengthen CERT programs throughout the state. By joining, you help support statewide conferences, expand advanced training opportunities, and promote best practices that benefit both individual volunteers and the communities they serve. Become a member of FCA today and take an active role in building stronger, more prepared, and resilient communities across Florida.
Our Mission
What is FCA?
The Florida CERT Association (FCA) supports, connects, and strengthens Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) across the state of Florida. FCA serves as a collaborative network for CERT members, program managers, and partner agencies by providing training opportunities, information sharing, professional development, and statewide coordination.
Through conferences, workshops, exercises, and outreach, FCA promotes best practices, enhances preparedness, and supports consistent, high-quality CERT programs across Florida. The Association also serves as a statewide voice for CERT, fostering partnerships with emergency management and public safety agencies while encouraging collaboration among local programs.teams and programs.
The Florida CERT Association Governing Members are the elected leadership responsible for guiding the direction, governance, and overall operation of the Association. Governing Members provide oversight, set priorities, support committees and initiatives, and represent the interests of FCA members across the state.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit an application to be considered for election as a Governing Member of the Florida CERT Association.
29°C / 11°C
28°C / 11°C
Drive economic growth and competitiveness.
generating new ideas
Beautiful neighborhoods, extraordinary schools, great restaurants and a rich cultural history make our city an ideal place to call home.
Professionals with advanced education, specialized skills, and the ability to innovate across industries.
The significant earning power in these areas, reflecting their strong local economies and high standards of living.
The average costs of home ownership can vary significantly based on location, home size, and other factors.
Sign up for News
& Alerts
Our FCA CERT newsletter delivers the latest conference information, team updates, and best practices—straight to your inbox.
Drive economic growth and competitiveness.
A Message From
the Mayor
Downtown of Columbus is a special place with limitless potential, where everyone deserves equal access to opportunity, happiness, and a bright future.
Our City is here to help foster those ideals in every neighborhood. It exists to serve you and be a resource for you, your family, and your community.
Beny Krasec, your Mayour
