J. Power, USA donates to NC CERT

Officials from J. Powers, USA Company, whose home office is in Chicago, were saddened as they watched “…as the fire ravaged the Fallbrook, Rainbow, Bonsall areas,” according to Steve Thome, vice president of the company. “We [the company officials] decided we wanted to find a way we could help…” so that such a disaster could perhaps be avoided from happening again.

Their decision created a good thing from the disaster. They determined the best way was to fund a means by which to better educate the community in how to be prepared: they are contributing $29,500 to North County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) to purchase a 24-foot-long trailer and supplies to travel to schools, street fairs and similar events where the public can be made aware of training, which is available free of charge.

The trailer back opens and chairs can be placed inside for educational training and exercises as well as a logistics center for Fallbrook’s licensed radio operators (“hams”), who keep communications open and constantly ongoing in times of emergency.

Presentation of the check will be made at the North County Fire Protection District meeting on December 11 at 5 p.m. at the Fallbrook Public Utilities District building. San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn will be in attendance as well as representation from Governor Schwarzenegger’s office. The public is invited.