Wildwood, New Jersey (September 23) — Members of the Cape May County Urban Search & Rescue team (CMC USAR) conducted a shoring operations training exercise today at the Cape May County Fire Academy. The event was co-organized with the Wildwood Fire Department.

Shoring is a critical step in responding to structural collapse situations. It entails securing damaged walls, floors, or ceilings to prevent additional collapse while rescuers search for victims in collapsed areas. The training ensures that staff stay capable and safe when working in unstable circumstances.

During the exercise, team members practiced constructing various shore systems, including vertical and raker shores, as well as lateral bracing. They also reviewed techniques to evaluate load-bearing members and the correct placement of struts and supports.