DOWNEY - Local residents can receive a free plastic barrel for emergency water storage at a distribution event this Saturday, Feb. 4, in front of the Columbia Memorial Space Center.Residents must be in a vehicle to receive a barrel; walk-up visitors will not be accommodated. Attendees should stay in their vehicle as they work their way through the line. There is a maximum of one barrel per vehicle. The distribution will start at 8 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. or whenever the supply is exhausted, whichever comes first. The barrels are donated by Coca-Cola Bottling Company and range in size from 15-55 gallons. Barrel pumps ($15), siphon hoses ($5) and handles ($8) can be purchased at the event. These items are not necessary for water storage but are helpful when dispensing or changing the water. The storage of drinking water is typically the most important thing you can do to prepare for an emergency. Every year victims of disasters can be found standing in long lines, waiting for their daily ration of water. You can be better prepared for a disaster if you take the steps necessary to provide a suitable amount of water for your family. Experts recommend that you set aside 3-7 gallons of water per person in every household. This action should provide water for 3-7 days after a disaster. This means a family of four should store 12-28 gallons of water, year-round. The water storage options are numerous. Water can be purchased in plastic drinking bottles in sizes ranging from 12 ounces to one gallon (128 ounces). Most water bottlers recommend the water be used within one year of purchase. Water can also be stored in larger quantities by utilizing 5-55 gallon containers. The city of Downey Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) and the Coca-Cola bottling plan in Downey have agreed to collaborate and provide free food-quality plastic drums in sizes ranging from 15 to 55 gallons.. Members of the EPC and Community Emergency Response Team will be preparing and distributing drums. Due to high demand, there is a limit of one per household. Instructions on safe water storage will be handed out with the free drums, or posted on the barrels. There are numerous water storage articles available on the Internet. If you have questions regarding this program, send them to Mark Gillaspie at ready@downeyca.org. -Contributed by Downey Fire Department

********** Published: February 2, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 42