Get Ready for the 2026 CERT Summit: Rising Resilience Ready Together on Thursday, January 29

The Patterson Foundation’s Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency initiative invites you to join us for the Inaugural 2026 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Summit: Rising Resilience Ready Together on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Our communities have long been vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and, more recently, increasingly higher temperatures and the pandemic. The increased prevalence of natural disasters creates an opportunity for The Patterson Foundation to connect and collaborate with our communities to strengthen three distinct disaster focus areas: Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency.

On January 29, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Ora in Sarasota, FL 34232, we will focus on connecting and strengthening communities in our four-county region.

The Summit will feature plenary and breakout sessions offering practical insights, skill-building opportunities, and connections with others committed to preparedness and recovery. 

We’ll also host an exhibit and vendor hall where participants can explore programs and organizations supporting disaster readiness and community resilience.

Whether you’re an active CERT member, interested in starting a team, or simply passionate about helping your community prepare and recover together, this event is for you.

Register here and share this blog with others who may be interested in joining us for a day of learning, connection, and collective impact.