Residents interested in learning how to help their neighbors during disasters and emergencies can sign up for free training through the Community Emergency Response Team program beginning January 13, 2026.
The nationally-certified CERT program teaches basic disaster and emergency response skills tailored to situations most likely to affect Flagler County. Participants will learn fire safety, light search and rescue techniques, team organization, and basic first aid over the course of the 30-hour training program.
Jonathan Lord, Emergency Management Director for Flagler County, emphasized the value of the program for both participants and the broader community. “The program is an invaluable partnership between the community and professional first responders,” Lord said. “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.”
The training sessions will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Emergency Operations Center through January 28. The course concludes on Thursday, January 29, with a full day that includes a course review, final exam, disaster simulation, and graduation ceremony.
Lord explained the broader purpose behind training community members in emergency response skills. “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,” he 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 Winter 2026 CERT program covers several topics including disaster preparedness, CERT organization, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, fire safety and utility controls, light search and rescue, and CERT and terrorism response. The disaster simulation and graduation on the final day serve as the culminating events of the training.
Registration is required, and participants must attend all sessions to receive certification. The program provides digital participant manuals, CERT backpacks, and all course materials at no cost. Paper manuals are available for $5 each. All graduates will receive a free t-shirt and CERT identification card.
The program is made possible through a partnership between Flagler County Emergency Management and the nonprofit Flagler Volunteer Services.
Residents can register by visiting www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and selecting “Community Training” from the menu. Those without internet access can call 386-313-4200 for assistance. Questions can be directed to EOC@FlaglerCounty.gov.
