Flagler Volunteer Services: Volunteer Opportunities

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during CERT exercises, members can assist their community or workplace following an emergency event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

All classes are held at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center - 1769 E Moody Blvd. Bldg. 3 Bunnell FL 32110.  Attendance is necessary at ALL Sessions to receive certification.  (If you are unable to attend all sessions you can make up miss sessions at future CERT Basic Courses.)  Attendees receive all materials needed during the course including manuals, backpacks of supplies and a free t'shirt upon completion.

Imagine having a potluck dinner with strangers and no prior coordination. The likely result would be a disorganized and unbalanced buffet table, some awkward dinner conversation, and lots of no-shows.  

Now imagine responding to an unplanned event such as a hurricane or wildfire without any prior collaboration or communication between the organizations that are on the front lines.  While fire, police and emergency management professionals are responding to the immediate health and safety needs of the community, the non-profit organizations and houses of worship are the first entities to meet the basic needs of the community.  From the moment disaster strikes, these non-governmental organizations provide food, shelter, clothing, guidance, and care.  Community organizations are on the ground and available to deliver services long before FEMA and national organizations arrive on the scene and long after these organizations move on.  However, no organization can respond alone, and we need to coordinate the efforts of public, private and non-profit sectors in order to meet the needs of community members.  That is why Flagler County needs a COAD. 

COAD builds synergy in the community; we can do more together than individually.  Being a member of COAD provides access to resources and services that can benefit your organization and the people you serve during the “blue sky” days as well as during times of disaster. Through joining together as a COAD, we can better respond to small and large-scale disasters affecting one individual or the whole community.

“It Started Like Any Other Day,” a video prepared by FEMA, tells the stories of families affected by disaster. Learn why it is important to have a plan for yourself, your family, your business and your community.