CERV members are trained to present the in-person version of the FSU SPEAR training (Seminole Prepared: Emergency and Response), teach community members on how to create an emergency plan, and answer questions about personal preparedness resources.  Presentations can be tailored to your organization's needs or questions as needed.

Our emergency volunteers can be activated to support on-campus events with crowd management, communication & coordination, and logistics. 

Reach out to FSUPD-CERV@fsu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to your event. 

CERV members may be requested to serve in support roles during drills and exercises.

Upon request CERV members can be activated to run moulage stations for partner exercises and trainings. 

Moulage training is an optional Advanced CERV training offered at least once a year, check the schedule on canvas to learn more. 

Active Volunteers may be requested to support FSU Public Safety and partners for Seach and Rescue (SAR) operations. CERV follows the CERT Basics Light Search and Rescue training guidance and works with FSU partners including the Emergency Management Homeland Security academic program and their DIRT program for advanced volunteer trainings and semesterly exercises. 

Following the Campus CERT model, CERV offers two different paths for those interested in emergency preparedness: 

CERV Members or Active Volunteers. 

 "General Member" status allows those interested in free trainings and educational events but cannot commit to volunteer hours or support emergency activations to still be involved in the program as.

"Active Volunteer" must submit a Volunteer Application and will need to select one of the follow volunteer teams: 

"Blue-Skys" Outreach Volunteer Team - Supports pre-planned events on campus during Blueskys (non-emergencies), Day to day activities, outreach tabling events, host community trainings or educational events, and other volunteer opportunities. Great option for those not able to activate for emergencies duties or already had emergency response responsibilities at FSU. Do not have to attend incident or hazard specific trainings.  

• Participation: 15 volunteer hours a semester & 5 training hours a semester (+21 hours of CERT Basic Training for first year), or 30 total Training & Volunteer hours a school year.
• New Volunteers have 12-month grace period to complete CERT Basic Training and can start gaining volunteer hours prior to its completion. New Volunteers can sign-up to volunteer for most outreach events after they have completed the 3 virtual- self paced trainings & submitted a waiver. 

"Grey-Skys" Emergency Volunteer Team: Supports both un-planned emergency activations of CERV on campus and Grey-Blue-Sky's / outreach events listed above. This is the best 

• Participation: 15 volunteer hours a semester & 5 training hours a semester (+21 hours of CERT Basic Training for first year), or 30 total Training & Volunteer hours a school year.
• Additional hazard specific training as needed to activate for specific incident types such as: shelter operations, donation management, and more. Volunteers can register for these types of activations without previous training if there is an "just-in-time training" offered for that event. 
• New Volunteers have 12-month grace period to complete CERT Basic Training and can start gaining volunteer hours prior to its completion. New Volunteers can sign-up to volunteer for most outreach events after they have completed the 3 virtual- self paced trainings & submitted a waiver. 

Emergency activations may include, but are not limited to: Hurricane sheltering, supporting local search and rescue teams, recovery and reunification centers, volunteer and donation center, logistics support and resource distribution, damage assessment post storm, and more.

Become a General Member: 

1. Join the CERV Canvas page
2. Submit an Annual Contact form (all CERV members must re-submit after May 1st each year they plan to participate)
3. Attend weekly CERV meetings and Community Training Events. 

Become an Active Volunteer

1. Meet General Member requirements
2. Register for CERT Basic Training
3. Submit a Notarized Waiver and certificates for all pre-requisites.
4. Attend CERT Basic Training (all 3-days are required for a certificate of complexation)
5. Submit a Volunteer Application.
6. Receive an official notification of Volunteer Application Acceptance & CERV Certificate

Volunteer Application Requirements:

• Completed Annual Contact Form
• Submitted Notarized Waiver (must be renewed every 4 years)
• Completed all Required Trainings & submitted certificates.
• Provide two References.
• Applicants must be:
  • Current student, staff, or faculty at Florida State University
  • In good standing with the university
  • Pass a basic criminal record and driving record check. Willing to attend a volunteer interview as needed.
• Submit a CERV Volunteer Application Form (found on Canvas), this must be completed in full. 

Required Volunteer Trainings & CERT Basic Training

Any FSU students, faculty, or staff can join the program as a "CERV Member" at any time & complete the required virtual trainings. While "Active Volunteers" are CERV members who completed all required trainings, submitted a waiver, and have an approved volunteer application. Only Active Volunteers are eligible to serve the FSU community during emergency activations. 

All CERV Members must complete the following Training Pre- requisites:

• FSU SPEAR Training - Seminole Prepared Emergency & Response (virtual, self-paced)
• FEMA IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
• FEMA IS - 317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs)

 All Active Volunteers must complete: 

• All Training Pre-requisites
• CERT Basics Training at FSU.

Grace period to complete CERT Basics, of one school year (by start of Fall 2027), is being granted for current active volunteers who have completed CERV 101 & 102 and have volunteered previously. Volunteers without CERT Basics still cannot be activated for emergencies and are not eligible to apply for CERV Leadership Team positions in Spring 2027. 

CERT Basics Training - Required Starting Fall 2026

This course includes six sections: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Hazardous Material, and Terrorist Incidents, Disaster Medical Operations, and Search & Rescue. All classes, practical exercises, and hands-on skills will be taught in person.  

​Complete the CERT Basics Registration Form

Join the CERV Canvas page and follow the "CERT Basic Training" module directions to register and submit proof of all prerequisites. 

The FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live, the CERV program is a Campus CERT at FSU. The CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

CERT Basic course trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as:

• Emergency preparedness
• Fire safety
• Light search and rescue
• Team organization
• Disaster medical operations

FSU is proud to be a 2026-2027 CERT grand recipient from Volunteer Florida! Learn more about Florida CERT: CERT - Volunteer Florida

Check the CERV Canvas Calendar & Semester schedule module. Follow us on FSU HQ.  https://hq.fsu.edu/FSUEM/club_signup 

Weekly Meetings 

Fall 2026 - every Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm at Tanner Hall EOC on the 2nd floor. Check in at the front desk. 

Not a CERV Member & just want to attend an event or training? 

Use the following registration link for all public events: