Community Emergency Response Team

BRACE is proud to administer training for Escambia County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Escambia County Emergency Management (ECEM). CERT is a training program that prepares Floridians to help their families and neighbors in the event of a disaster in their community. Through CERT, citizens can learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.

With this training, CERT volunteers can provide critical support in their local communities by giving immediate assistance to victims before emergency first responders arrive on scene. CERT volunteers also support the community year-round by participating in community preparedness outreach activities and distributing materials on disaster preparedness and education.

CERT trainings are offered monthly to educate and certify community volunteers on disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery for hazards that may impact their area. CERT Members can also be deployed to other areas following a disaster at the request of Escambia County Emergency Management.

YOU can make a difference in our community by becoming a CERT Member.

Meet our CERT Council

  • Dr. Sam Mathews

    Dr. Sam Mathews

    CERT INSTRUCTOR

  • Aldria Walker

    Aldria Walker

    CERT INSTRUCTOR

  • Capt. Bill Marvel

    Capt. Bill Marvel

    CERT INSTRUCTOR

  • Philip Switzer

    CERT INSTRUCTOR

Types of Trainings

Adult CERT

  • Designed for those wanting to increase their disaster preparedness

  • A consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks

Campus CERT

  • Designed for college campuses

  • Teaches all CERT fundamentals to faculty and students

  • Allows individuals to be prepared for campus events

Teen CERT

  • Designed for ages 13-17

  • Teaches youth readiness and response skills

  • Newly learned leadership skills will empower youth to safely respond to an emergency and assist victims without endangering themselves or others

Neighborhood CERT

  • Focusing on readiness and response in a localized area

  • Provide training so neighborhood’s can stand up on their own after a disaster until the professionals arrive