TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—April is Florida Volunteer month and in the spirit of encouraging volunteerism throughout the state, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has brought online a new website, www.floridadisaster.org/CitizenCorps, to provide information on Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and the Citizen Corps.  

“During a disaster, volunteer aid plays a huge role in helping local communities to recover,” said Craig Fugate, Director of the Division of Emergency Management.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management supports the Community Emergency Response Team program which trains residents to be prepared for emergency situations in their communities and neighborhoods.  Local CERT teams receive training in disaster preparedness, disaster fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, terrorism, communications, disaster psychology and team organization.  CERT teams provide immediate assistance to victims, collect disaster information to support first responder efforts and provide the first neighborhood help in the immediate hours following a major emergency.

CERT teams can make the difference by using their training to save lives and protect property.  With training, practice and working together as a team, CERT members will be able to do the “greatest good for the greatest number” after a disaster, while protecting themselves from becoming victims.

“I started my career as a Volunteer Firefighter and know the value of those who serve their communities as Volunteers,” said Dave Halstead, the State Emergency Response Team Chief.  

The new website will allow those interested to apply to become a member of a CERT team and find information on CERT teams and Citizen Corps councils in their local area.  

During the 2004-2005 hurricane season, more than 252,000 volunteers served 10.6 million hours providing aid to the hurricane survivors with 20.2 million meals prepared and served, 13 million meals donated and 1.4 million bags of ice and 34.7 million bottles of water handed out.

Sponsors of Florida Volunteer Month are urging individuals statewide to join the volunteer movement and experience the psychological, physical, and professional benefits that volunteering can offer, such as an increased self-esteem, improved health, and marketable job skills. Businesses also can experience the advantages of volunteering by implementing an employee volunteer program. Studies have shown that companies with employee volunteer programs report lower employee turnover rates, higher morale, and better community relations.

For more information on volunteering during disasters and community emergency response teams, visit the new Florida CERT website, www.floridadisaster.org/CitizenCorps.  For a list of links to volunteer resources and opportunities, visit Volunteer Florida’s website at, www.volunteerflorida.org.