Media Advisory

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For release Sept. 19, 2005

What:

Contra Costa schools and childcare centers are invited to participate in the 2005 Countywide All School Drill. The annual event gives children and their caregivers an opportunity to practice responding to the Community Warning System sirens, which sound a shelter-in-place alert when there has been a dangerous chemical release.

When:

11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005

Where:

At participating schools and childcare centers throughout Contra Costa County

Who:

All public and private schools, childcare centers and colleges in Contra Costa County are encouraged to participate. The event is sponsored by the Contra Costa County Community Awareness and Emergency Response group (CAER), a public and private partnership funded by industry. Members include the Contra Costa County Office of Education, Contra Costa Health Services and other organizations.

Why:

Hazardous material releases can result from many sources in Contra Costa County, including accidents at refineries and chemical treatment plants and collisions involving trucks or trains transporting chemicals. The possibility of accidents and the threat of terrorism make it important for residents to recognize and respond correctly to shelter-in-place alerts. CAER will provide instructions and materials for the drill. The deadline to register for the drill is Oct. 3.

To participate in CAER's All School Drill, call 925-313-9296 or visit CAER's website: www.cococaer.org.

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