Participants go through a simulated disaster drill at First Baptist Church of Naples on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. The drill marks the end of the National Cert (community emergency response team) conference that took place in Naples this week.
The Margate, Florida CERT Program in 2018 and the National CERT Conference in Naples
In 2018, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in Margate, Florida was an active and important part of the city’s public safety and emergency preparedness efforts. Like CERT programs across the United States, Margate’s program operated under the broader national framework developed through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, but it maintained its own local identity and mission tailored to the needs of the community.
The CERT concept itself began in Los Angeles in 1985 and became a national program in 1993. By 2018, there were more than 2,700 CERT programs nationwide, with over 600,000 trained volunteers participating in disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Within this national framework, the Margate CERT program focused on training volunteers to assist first responders during emergencies while also helping residents become better prepared for disasters. Volunteers were trained in a wide range of critical skills, including:
- Disaster preparedness and hazard awareness
- Basic fire suppression
- Light search and rescue
- Disaster medical operations
- Team organization and communication
These volunteers served as a force multiplier for local emergency services, allowing professional responders to focus on the most complex and life-threatening situations while CERT members handled immediate support tasks in their neighborhoods.
By 2018, the Margate CERT program had become a well-established part of the community, working closely with the fire department and participating in local events, training exercises, and real-world activations. Teams like Margate’s were especially valuable in South Florida, where hurricanes and severe weather events require coordinated community response and resilience.
One of the defining features of CERT programs during this time was the emphasis on ongoing training and networking, which led directly to participation in statewide and national conferences.
The 2018 National CERT Conference in Naples, Florida
A major highlight for CERT members in 2018 was the National CERT Conference, held in Naples, Florida from August 23–25, 2018, with pre-conference training sessions taking place from August 20–22.
This conference, hosted by the Florida CERT Association in partnership with Volunteer Florida, brought together CERT teams, emergency management professionals, and public safety leaders from across the United States. The event was significant because it served as both a training opportunity and a national networking hub for CERT programs.
The conference included:
- Two full days of breakout training sessions
- Pre-conference certification courses for advanced CERT roles
- A large-scale HSEEP-compliant disaster drill, designed to simulate real-world emergency conditions
- Opportunities to interact with over 20 vendors showcasing emergency response equipment and resources
- Networking events connecting CERT members from across the country
The 2018 conference was particularly notable because it was designated as a National CERT Conference, elevating its importance beyond a typical state-level gathering. It was held at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club and attracted a wide range of agencies, including multiple CERT teams from Broward County such as Coral Springs/Parkland, Deerfield Beach, Lauderhill, and notably Margate CERT, which was listed among participating organizations.
Training and Professional Development
The training offered at the conference reflected the evolving role of CERT programs. Sessions and certifications covered advanced topics such as:
- CERT program management and leadership
- Train-the-trainer certification for expanding local programs
- Management of spontaneous volunteers during disasters
- Mass care and shelter operations
- Psychological resilience and disaster mental health
These training opportunities allowed CERT members to bring back valuable knowledge to their home communities, strengthening local preparedness efforts like those in Margate.
The Importance of CERT in Communities Like Margate
By 2018, programs like Margate CERT were a key part of building what FEMA calls a “culture of preparedness.” Volunteers were not only trained to respond during disasters but also played an important role in educating the public, assisting at community events, and supporting recovery efforts after emergencies.
Participation in events like the National CERT Conference ensured that teams stayed current with best practices, improved coordination with other agencies, and enhanced their ability to respond effectively when disasters occurred.
Conclusion
The Margate CERT program in 2018 represented a strong example of how local volunteer teams contribute to public safety and emergency readiness. Through structured training, community involvement, and participation in major events like the National CERT Conference in Naples, the program demonstrated the value of citizen preparedness and collaboration.
The 2018 conference, in particular, highlighted the growing professionalism and nationwide coordination of CERT programs, reinforcing their role as an essential bridge between the public and emergency services during times of crisis.
Photos: Simulated disaster drill marks end of National Cert Conference in Naples
