DOWNEY - The Downey Emergency Preparedness Committee and Community Emergency Response Team volunteers will be distributing free plastic food-grade barrels for emergency water storage on Saturday morning, June 18.The storage of an ample supply of fresh water is one of the most important actions community members can take as they prepare for an emergency. The location for the June 18 event will be outside the Discovery Sports Complex and Columbia Memorial Space Center on Columbia Way, near Lakewood Boulevard. The distribution will be a 'drive-thru' only event. There will be no accommodations for walk-up visitors. All attendees will be directed to stay with their vehicles as volunteers work their way through the distribution effort. There will be a one barrel per car limit for this distribution event. The event will be held rain or shine. The distribution of the barrels will begin at 8 a.m. The event will end when the supply of barrels is exhausted or at 11 a.m., whichever comes first. The barrels are a donation from the Downey Coca-Cola facility and staff. Fresh water is almost always in short supply after disasters. Experts recommend each person should store a minimum of 3-7 gallons of water for emergency use. Additional water should be stored for pets. Each barrel is cleaned and rinsed by Coca-Cola staff members before delivery to the distribution site by Coca-Cola trucks and drivers. The barrels vary in size from 15-55 gallons. The exact quantity of each size of barrel varies for each event. A special instructional label is attached to each barrel. Barrel pumps, siphon hose and handles for the barrel caps will be available for purchase at the event. Cash or checks will be accepted. These items are not necessary for water storage, but they are helpful when dispensing or changing the water. The cost for a pump is $15, siphon hose is $7 and the handle costs $8. Details for the distribution event, and a map, are posted on the city website. The Downey Patriot will carry a map in next week's newspaper. Questions or comments may be sent to ready@downeyca.org. -Mark Sauter, city of Downey

********** Published: June 9, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 8