New C.E.R.T. Volunteers are Ready, Willing & Able

The new C.E.R.T. graduates are shown with instructors and the Fire Explorers who participate in the simulation exercise.

The Apple Valley Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) Program graduated another group of residents on Saturday, March 8th. These residents are now prepared to help support the community of Apple Valley when disaster strikes.

The C.E.R.T. training includes modules in disaster preparedness, first aid, triage, fire safety, team organization, disaster psychology, wildland urban interface and light search and rescue. The training culminates with a simulation exercise whereby the students' newly learned skills are put to the test.

The next 24-hour C.E.R.T. class will be held in the fall. For more information, please call Cindy Serrano, Emergency Services Manager, at (760) 247-7618. The class is free for Apple Valley residents!

Firefighters Undergo Survival Training

Rescuing a fellow firefighter from a burning building was only one of many elements of survival training.

Apple Valley firefighters were put to the test recently with survival training. Firefighters practiced the life-saving skills that would be needed to rescue a fellow firefighter from a burning structure. Also included in the training were the procedures and techniques of the state-mandated Rapid Intervention Crew. As always, "safety" was the primary focus.

The training occurred over several days at a structure on Central Road.