Community Emergency Response Team Summit to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

The Patterson Foundation is hosting a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Summit: Rising Resilience, Ready Together to strengthen our region’s disaster readiness.

To strengthen our community’s preparedness, recovery, and resiliency in the face of a growing number of severe natural disasters impacting the Suncoast, the Summit will feature hands-on learning, networking opportunities, scenario discussions, and a keynote address by former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. Participants will walk away with training, insights, and connections to help build stronger, more resilient communities.

“This Summit is designed to build shared understanding, spark new collaboration, and energize our community’s preparedness ecosystem,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “After weathering many storms over the years, we know that we are stronger together. Whether you're on an active CERT team or a resident dedicated to strengthening our community's resilience in the face of future disasters, you are welcome to attend. By uniting, we can forge a more resilient community.”

The CERT Summit: Rising Resilience, Ready Together is a part of The Patterson Foundation’s Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency (CPR-R) initiative. This initiative explores and strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities in navigating disasters. Rather than focusing on short-term responsive actions, CPR-R examines opportunities to optimize efforts in preparedness, recovery, and resilience toward long-term impact.

Current CERT volunteers and program leaders, members of Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) members, emergency management partners, local officials, first responders, and anyone in the community interested in disaster preparedness are welcome to attend.

The CERT Summit will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Ora. Admission is free through funding from The Patterson Foundation; registration is required. You can learn more about and register for the summit here.