SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The Office of Emergency Services unveiled seven trailers Tuesday that will be used to train Community Emergency Response Teams and that are stocked with emergency supplies for use in the event of a far-reaching fire or massive earthquake.
The trailers, which will be stationed throughout San Bernardino County (Calif.), were paid for through federal grant money.
Each trailer cost approximately $15,000, said Dennis West, the county’s Community Emergency Response Team coordinator.
Community Emergency Response Teams are comprised of volunteers who are prepared to come to the aid of neighborhoods during catastrophic emergencies if first responders are either stretched too thin or are unable to access a disaster area.
“Neighbors will have to help neighbors, and that’s what CERT is designed for,” said Supervisor Paul Biane, who praised the county for its emergency preparedness at a news conference Tuesday.
The trailers are outfitted with duffel bags filled with medical supplies, backboards, fire extinguishers, tarps and wool blankets.
There are about 6,000 volunteers involved in 25 CERT programs across the county.
The trailers will be set up in Apple Valley, Big Bear City, Ontario, Redlands, Yucca Valley, Devore and at the County Emergency Operations Center in Rialto.