Water barrel giveaway Saturday

DOWNEY - Volunteers with the Downey Emergency Preparedness Committee and Community Emergency Response Team will be distributing free plast food-grade barrels for emergency water storage Saturday morning outside the Discovery Sports Complex and Columbia Memorial Space Center.The storage of an ample supply of fresh water is one of the most important actions residents can take as they prepare for an emergency, said Mark Sauter, emergency services manager for the city of Downey. Barrels will be distributed in a drive-through fashion only; walk-up visitors will not receive a barrel. Residents should stay in their vehicles as they work through the line. There is a maximum of one barrel per vehicle. Barrel distribution starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. or when all barrels have been given away. In recognition of National Preparedness Month, emergency preparedness volunteers and Red Cross officials will host an emergency preparedness fair in the parking lot next to the water barrel distribution. The Red Cross will provide hands-on CPR training and obstructed airway intervention demonstrations. Local volunteers will staff informational booths, and residents can also learn how to shut off household utilities. Displays of emergency preparedness supplies and equipment will also be available for viewing. The water barrels are a donation by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The barrels, which vary in size from 15-55 gallons, are cleaned, rinsed and delivered by Coca-Cola. Barrel pumps ($15), siphon hoses ($5) and handles ($7) will be available for purchase, cash or check only. The accessories are not necessary for water storage, but are helpful when dispensing or changing the water. A map of the distribution event is posted on the city's website at downeyca.org. For more information, e-mail ready@downeyca.org.

********** Published: September 22, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 23