Palm Desert Residents Can Get Free CERT Training

From City of Rancho Mirage:

The city is now offering free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to non-residents in addition to residents for its upcoming training on Oct. 11-13. CERT help prepare citizens to care for themselves, their families and neighbors in the event of a major disaster. Enrollment for non-residents is limited and subject to availability of seats.

The 24-hour class stretches over three days and will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The training will be conducted by the Rancho Mirage Fire Department and be held at the Roy Wilson Training Center located at 31920 Robert Rd. in Thousand Palms.

Training consists of classroom and hands-on exercises and follows the federally prescribed curriculum of seven modules as follows:

• Module 1: Disaster Preparedness
• Module 2: Team Organization
• Module 3: Disaster Medical Operations I
• Module 4: Disaster Medical Operations II
• Module 5: Disaster Fire Suppression
• Module 6: Search & Rescue Operations
• Module 7: Disaster Simulation Exercise

Because this training includes hands-on exercises, participants must be able to stand, kneel, stoop, wear hardhats, etc. Appropriate clothing such as closed-toe shoes is also required.

Although this class is offered at no cost to residents and non-residents, registration is required to guarantee a spot in the class. Applications are available on the Rancho Mirage website, or interested parties may contact City Hall to obtain the registration form.

For further information, please contact Rancho Mirage City Hall at (760) 324-4511.

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