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When disaster strikes, most people think about firefighters, deputies, paramedics, and emergency crews. But long before outside help fully arrives, one of the most important resources already exists inside every neighborhood: prepared neighbors.
Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn along with CERT leaders Steve Litschauer and Sharon Denson and Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske join us to talk about the Community Emergency Response Team, better known as CERT, and why community preparedness matters more than ever.
We explore what CERT actually is, how the program began through FEMA, the role trained volunteers play during disasters, and why CERT members are not first responders, but an essential support system for their communities. From CPR training and hurricane preparedness to communications, situational awareness, and neighborhood support, this conversation highlights how ordinary residents can make an extraordinary difference during emergencies.
We also discuss the future of emergency management, growing conversations around FEMA and local resilience, and Manatee County’s vision for building stronger, more self-reliant communities through trained citizens and neighbor-to-neighbor preparedness.
Most importantly, this episode is about something bigger than disasters. It’s about trust, connection, and what it means to be a good neighbor before, during, and after a crisis.
If you’ve ever wondered how to better prepare your family, support your neighborhood, or get involved in community readiness efforts, this is a conversation worth listening to.
To learn more about CERT and preparedness programs in Manatee County, visit:
