| There are 450+ CERT Teams and Sector Units, functioning in 140 CERT Programs covering 57 counties in Florida as of January 2006 and we continue to grow. Local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, county emergency management offices and other groups such as some Red Cross Chapters, schools, civic groups and businesses sponsor the CERT Program in the State. Initially FEMA FY 02 funds and DHS FY 03, FY04 and FY 05 funds have been utilized to start-up programs in counties and locations without programs and to expand current programs. Over 25 CERT Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Courses have been offered in Florida since mid 2002 with more than 500 trainers completing the training. At least 6-8 CERT TTT courses will be offered during the 2005-2006 training cycle which will begin in late October 2005 following the major part of the 2005 hurricane season . Information on these courses can be found after September 1st on the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Training Calendar Webpage http://floridadisaster.org/trainingcalendar/index.asp.
Training has been conducted in high schools for students, faculty and staff, in businesses, through churches and in many neighborhoods. CERT trained volunteers in several areas of the State have formed CERT associations and meet regularly to maintain their skills and prepare themselves for disasters.
With additional training, CERT volunteers also perform community service duties to support local emergency management & emergency services ranging from working in emergency operations centers to helping to feed and support workers in staging areas and assist in manning shelters. Specially trained CERT volunteers also assist with damage assessment, traffic control and evacuation, first responder activities, mitigation education activities and public education activities.
The State's Division of Emergency Management coordinates the CERT train-the-trainer course to help local agencies start-up a program. Some counties and municipalities also conduct train-the-trainer courses as needed. |
