Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo announces that a grant has been awarded to Elma Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to be used to purchase a laptop and equipment in support of CERT’s efforts to assist first responders and residents during emergencies.

“Elma CERT has been expanding its programming and outreach, making it necessary to update much of their equipment. The purchase of a new laptop will benefit CERT’s ability to help all residents be prepared for an emergency,” said Legislator Lorigo.

The grant, totaling $1,000, is being transferred from vacated funds available in the 2017 budget. The funding was approve at the Nov. 16, 2017 session.

“Elma CERT, Inc. would like to thank Legislator Lorigo for supporting our mission and allocating this much-needed grant,” Michelle Kerr, President of Elma CERT, Inc.

CERT’s mission is to help citizens be better prepared to take care of themselves, family, friends, and neighbors in the event of a disaster of any type until emergency responders arrive. CERT recognizes that a prepared community is less of a strain on emergency services in a disaster situation. Elma Cert, Inc. strives to establish a Community Response Team as an emergency management resource, to develop a volunteer pool of citizens to help during an emergency, and to perform projects that improve a community’s preparedness. Additional information is available at www.facebook.com/ElmaCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam.

For additional information, or to speak with Legislator Lorigo, please contact his Legislative Office at 858-8922; email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov; or visit www.erie.gov/legislature/district10.