FAQs for Save CERT Initiative

If Fairfax cuts CERT, are there any plans to try to fund it on its own?

The current budget issue involves both funding for CERT, but more importantly, CERT’s actual existence. A CERT program ideally needs to be sponsored and/or recognized by a government agency, which currently is the Fire Department. With time, we can find alternative sources of funding, but finding a new sponsor is a separate and more complex issue. Remaining under the Fire Department is ideal for its organizational structure, liability reasons, fulfilling its mission, and the fact that CERT works closely with the Fire Department – canteen, training, etc.

If the budget proposal regarding CERT was accepted, would CERT still be a part of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department?
Currently, CERT reports to the Fire and Rescue Department, If eliminated, we would need to find a new sponsor.

Could we still use the premises for meetings and trainings?
If eliminated, CERT would not be able to continue to use the Fire and Rescue Academy. As for other Fairfax County facilities, that would depend on CERT being able to find a new sponsor.

How is the $34K CERT budget spent?
The money is spent on training, maintenance, equipment, and repairs to facilities and equipment,

Are there any plans to combine with a nearby CERT program, like Arlington or Alexandria if Fairfax Country eliminates its CERT program?
We are not exploring any other options at this time; we are committed to remaining with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. If we were eliminated, we would then focus on feasible alternatives to ensure the best future for our CERT program. However, combining with another CERT would bring on multiple issues. The main one is liability. Under Fairfax County, we have more freedom and ability to operate as we do. Under other jurisdictions, Fairfax CERT would have to give up many of the functions that we currently do or plan on doing.