Fairfax County CERT is in danger of being eliminated!

Who is impacted? Thousands of Fairfax County residents benefit from CERT's vital emergency preparedness training, the program's core mission. Last year alone, volunteers contributed approximately 20,000 hours teaching life-saving skills to residents, conducting community outreach events, and increasing emergency preparedness across the county. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CERT demonstrated its flexibility and value by helping distribute over four million pounds of food to vulnerable families. For 21 years, our award-winning program has served as an essential resource for community safety and resilience.

What is at stake? The County Executive's proposed budget recommends eliminating Fairfax County CERT entirely, cutting not fat but bone from our emergency preparedness infrastructure. This would eliminate a program that costs only $34,000 annually yet contributed over $1,000,000 worth of volunteer service last year—a remarkable 29-to-1 return on investment. If eliminated, the county loses not only critical emergency preparedness training for residents but also a vetted, trained volunteer force ready to assist during disasters and emergencies.

Why is now the time to act? Time is of the essence! Public hearings are happening now, and the Board of Supervisors will decide on May 13, 2025. If this cut is approved, CERT will cease to exist. Contact the Board of Supervisors through phone calls, emails, and letters to voice your objection. Make an appearance at a Public Hearing to explain why saving CERT matters. For more information, visit https://fairfaxcountycert.org/save-cert.

Don't let Fairfax County CERT disappear!