You can help fund disaster readiness

The Long Grove Fire Protection District will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in honor of the launch of the new South Lake County Regional Community Emergency Response Team., from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. The Long Grove Fire Protection District is at 1165 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.

CERT volunteers ages 18 and older are trained to handle disasters, hazards and situations that affect their home, neighborhood or business, and assist firefighters and emergency personnel during emergencies. Volunteers are given training in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

The pancake breakfast fundraiser will include live music by Thomas Swenson, a silent auction for items including an escorted ride in a fire engine, a 50/50 raffle and a kids safety puppet show with Freddie the Firefighter at 10:30 a.m. Face painting, balloon art, tattoos and more are also planned.

The breakfast is co-sponsored by the Long Grove Fire Fighters Association to help area firefighters and their families during financial crises due to death or serious illness.

For more information, contact the station at (847) 634-3035 or by e-mail at dhardy@comcast.net.