CERT Application & More

This is a volunteer organization of your neighbors who are committed to training for local and area wide emergencies which can sometimes be foreseen and prepared for in advance and sometimes are unpredictable or unforeseen. CERT volunteers are activated to augment the professional first responders we commonly rely on. When the situation requires more manpower resources than are available via our normal first responder networks, CERT members will be deployed to lessen the workload on available first responders.

We invite you to read more in these pages, visit our FaceBook page or get involved as a CERT volunteer. Link to Visit Facebook Group

Application to Train with or Join a CERT Team

The Sun City Area CERT is our South County Community Emergency Response Team

Part One – Operations and Orientation

We are one of over 2,800 CERT teams nationwide, each trained to be ready for the types of disasters that our community may face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises, CERT members

- Learn how to safely respond to man-made and natural hazards.
- Help organize basic disaster response.
- Promote preparedness within their communities.

The Sun City Area CERT is sponsored by and operated under the authority of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Department Office of Emergency Management. Our all-volunteer team serves as a force-multiplier, providing organized and trained teams to respond to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other disasters. Our team served at COVID vaccine points of distribution in the Sun City Area providing traffic control and an organized efficient flow to serve our area residents. In 2024, we assisted with hot meal / food distribution at several locations.

But CERT is more than just waiting for the next hurricane…

Public service

While CERT members train to be ready to respond to “gray skies,” we use “blue skies” opportunities to fine-tune our skills and serve our neighbors.

You’ve probably seen our roving teams at the major special events in the Sun City and Kings Point area. Our members are out at several events a year, such as the Alzheimer's walk, golf cart parade, holiday tree lighting, food and medical distribution events.

We offer classes to the public and can provide training to resident organizations in the south Hillsborough County area on subjects such as Are You Ready? – Preparing for Hurricanes and Other Disasters and Active Shooter – Surviving a Shooting Event.

What’s expected of me?

Unlike some CERT teams, Sun City Area CERT is an active, vital part of The Sun City Area. But there are obligations. To maintain your skills (and your membership), you’ll attend 10-12 hours of training and team meetings every year. You’ll also work with your teammates at at least two community service events a year. Occasional large-scale exercises help challenge the team to work as a team. There are county-wide bi-monthly trainings held at the Public Safety Operations Center in Tampa.

During official disaster activation, meals and safe lodging will also be provided to deployed team members. Completion of this application does not obligate you to volunteer, nor does it guarantee activation.

What skills do I need to join?

None – we train you in everything you need to know. Yes, some of our members bring medical or emergency response experience, or other technical skills which are certainly helpful to the team, but all that’s needed is a willingness to serve. We get you ready; we keep you ready.

The Basic Training course

Every new member completes our FEMA-developed, twenty-four (24) hour Basic Training Course. Here you’ll get hands-on training in First Aid, Light Search and Rescue, CPR/AED, Fire Safety and other skills needed to respond to a disaster – the course culminates in a realistic disaster exercise. We offer the Basic Course as needed in the Sun City area and can facilitate training at other locations as well.

- How to keep a friend, neighbor or loved one alive until professional emergency personnel arrive.
- How to provide a safe environment for yourself and others before disasters.
- How to survive and cope during an overwhelming or catastrophic incident.
- How to recognize potential hazards and reduce injury or damage to persons or property.
- How to assume a leadership role with those who are not trained to deal with injuries or disasters.
- How to identify and assist those who are traumatized from disasters or injuries.

At the course graduation you’ll be assigned to a CERT team corresponding to your Community team headed by a CERT team leader.

Once you have submitted an application you’ll be contacted by our Basic Class Coordinator with your class scheduling.

If you have questions regarding classes please contact our trainers via email at info@scccert.com or link provided on our website.

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