It is Amanda Ockeloen's job as the Bowen Island Municipality's emergency services coordinator to help and encourage islanders to get prepared.
After several presentations to members of Seniors Keeping Young (SKY) and the Bowen Court community, Ockeloen convinced a number of them to form an emergency preparedness sub-committee and to invest in 72-hour Red Cross disaster preparedness kits.
On Wednesday, July 3, the kits, neatly packaged in a red backpack, arrived at Bowen Court.
They contain over 85 essential items that help a family get through the first three days in an emergency situation.
The content includes a first aid kit, waterproof matches, a candle, a wind-up flashlight with a radio and alarm, a multi-function knife, an emergency rescue blanket, water purification tablets, a whistle, work gloves, a light stick, duct tape, an emergency preparedness guide and more.
Ockeloen feels that this is a good start. "This was a big order. Maybe it will inspire others on Bowen Island to follow suit and get prepared," she said.
One of the backpacks is on display at the Caring Circle Resource Centre at Village Square.
Ockeloen will have a table at the Bowen Island Volunteer Fire Department's open house on Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to inspire islanders to plan ahead.
