TAMPA, Fla. — Several nonprofits and faith-based organizations in south Hillsborough County are taking steps to make sure they’re prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

It’s part of FEMA’s Community Emergency Response training, also known as CERT.

For three years now, Luz Gaona has provided support to families in South Hillsborough County through her nonprofit ’Inspira Tampa Bay.’

What You Need To Know

  • FEMA CERT training being held by USF College of Public Health

  • Luz Gaona and her nonprofit Inspira Tampa Bay took part on the training to be better prepared to help families in Wimauma

  • The training is split up into three days to teach about personal preparedness, how to handle a medical emergency and more

  • Several South Hillsborough County organizations and faith based organizations decided to take part in the training this year

Part of the mission is the unique abilities boutique. “This is all donated, it comes from just the community,” Gaona said.

Families can shop for items at a lower cost than they would at retail. The organization also offers mentorship programs and children’s services.

But most recently they added hurricane aid to their offerings. Gaona said that after last year’s hurricanes, many of the families they serve weren’t sure what to do or where to turn.

Gaona said thanks to grants totaling about $70,000, they were able to provide groceries, checks and even purchase furniture and appliances for people who lost everything.

“To see the reactive expense when there is no plan set, it put us to start thinking about what we need to do differently in our community,” she said.

So, they’re taking part in FEMA’s community emergency response team training. She said she’s she wants to be ready to help in any emergency.

The training covers personal preparedness, how to handle a medical emergency, and how to stay safe when going out to help in the community.

Elizabeth Dunn, an instructor with USF’s College of Public Health, is also leading the training. She said this training is attracting more nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

“Our goal is to get as many people trained as possible,” Dunn said. “And to make sure people feel prepared and confident to take pretty much the measures, they need to make sure their neighborhood is safe.”

Many of the organizations participating are working to create their own community emergency response teams in their neighborhoods.

“We can’t wait for an emergency to happen to then think about how do we move forward, so being cautious being prepared is something that we’re learning,” Gaoda said.

She is taking steps that will help save lives and keep families safe before and after a storm.

Each training takes three days to complete.

The next course will be held in September by USF. But if you wish to participate, you can also visit Hillsborough counties website to register for a course.