CERT fundraiser at Frantone's Pizza

DOWNEY - Members of the Downey Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will hold a fundraiser at Frantone's Pizza on Thursday from 5-10 p.m.Frantone's will donate 25 percent of proceeds from the event back to CERT. The offer includes take-out. CERT will use the proceeds to help offset training and equipment costs. CERT training is designed to improve the skills of participants and to build a team of volunteers to assist the community before, during and after emergencies. When a disaster strikes, local emergency services will be challenged to answer every call for service in a timely manner. CERT members provide initial service to their families and neighborhoods. Two CERT courses are offered to residents by members of the Downey Fire Department every year. The next course will be offered April 10, 17 and 24 for eight hours each day. Students must attend all three Saturday sessions to earn their certification. The CERT curriculum includes training for general search and rescue, first aid, emergency preparedness, self-protection and fire extinguisher use. CERT members meet each month at Fire Station No. 1 for continued education and organizational work. CERT members have staffed many community events during the last few years, including neighborhood watch meetings, flu vaccination clinics, Red Cross fundraisers emergency preparedness fairs, the Street Fair and Kids Day.

********** Published: February 26, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 45