Our Story

Building a More Resilient Sarasota County Florida

When disaster strikes, professional first responders can quickly become stretched thin.

That’s when trained neighbors helping neighbors can make all the difference.

The SRQ CERT Association (SCA) is strengthening Sarasota County’s volunteer

emergency preparedness network by connecting, training, and supporting more than

45 CERT organizations across Sarasota County.

Turning Lessons Into Action

The need for greater coordination became clear after Hurricanes Deby, Ian, Helene &

Milton, when Sarasota County’s growing number of Community Emergency Response

Teams faced the challenges of responding to a major disaster.

SCA was created to help bring these teams together—serving as a bridge between

CERT organizations, emergency management agencies, grant organizations, and

community partners.

In February 2026, SCA received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, opening the door to

expanded partnerships, grants, and donor support.

Training Volunteers. Strengthening Communities.

SCA provides basic and advanced CERT training at no cost to volunteers, helping

residents develop the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to support their

communities during emergencies.

By the end of 2026, SCA expects to have certified more than 56 new CERT

volunteers.

Every trained volunteer means another person who can help prepare a neighborhood,

assist family and friends, and support the community when professional resources are

limited.

SCA is also helping new CERT programs take root. Since June 2026, the organization

has helped launch two new CERT programs, with five more communities exploring

the creation of their own teams.

Your Support Builds Resilience Before Disaster Strikes

Prepared communities don't happen by accident. They require training, coordination,

outreach, equipment, technology, leadership, and resources—all before an emergency

occurs.

Your donation helps SCA:

• Provide no-cost CERT training to volunteers.

• Support the creation and growth of new CERT organizations.

• Connect local teams with emergency management agencies and resources.

• Share knowledge and best practices across 45+ CERT organizations with an

average of 30 volunteers per team.

• Strengthen the countywide network of volunteers prepared to respond when

disaster strikes.

The next hurricane, wildfire, severe storm, or other emergency won't wait for us

to get prepared. The time to build resilience is now.

With your support, SCA can train more volunteers, help build and strengthen more

CERT teams, helping more Sarasota County communities become prepared,

connected, and resilient.

Together, we can build a safer, stronger Sarasota County—one trained volunteer,

one CERT team, and one community at a time.