| Kits offer earthquake, millennium ai From page 18 up confusion surrounding Y2K, state that a good start- ing point in preparing your home for possible power out- ages in the Year 2000 is to implement an earthquake preparedness strategy. It would seem that thou- sands of British Columbia residents have done so, to one degree or another. Fast Limited First Aid & Survival Technologies — is Canada’s number one emer- gency preparedness compa- ny, employing 50 people in its 14,000 square foot Annacis Istand warehouse. Fast manufactures every- thing from the kit bags to the emergency food and water rations that go into emer- gency kits. A full 95% of their business is in British Columbia, where they have a number of farge industrial contracts. As an example, they manufacture BC Hydro’s fire retardant cover- alls and safety vests. “When January 1999 hit, people started to think about what would happen a year from now, in Janvary 2000,” says Fast’s general_ manager Carmen Funk. “The neat thing about Y2K is that we know when it is going to happen, we just don’t know to the extent. It’s a good exercise. If you are prepared for whatever Y2K throws at you, then you are pretty well set for earthquakes, snow storms, floods, what ever.” Aithough Fast’s business is at an all-time high, people dan‘t purchase kits for nwo reasons, They think they are ‘either too expensive or that they take up too much room. At $140, the company’s most popular item — a two- person home emergency kit — has been tailored so peo- ple have the essentials at an aftordable price. The kit, smaller than a gym bag, supplies two adults with a 72 emergency food and water rations, light. sticks, © am/fm radio, a flashlight with long-life alkaline batter- ies, blankets, tarps, rope, gloves, goggles and dust masks to protect your lungs from the dust and debris after an earthquake. “People should then customize the kits by adding their prescrip- tion drugs, extra pairs of eye- glasses, and maybe a bottle of their favourite wine,” says Funk. “Some see an earth- quake kit as a big ticket i item, but it could save your life.” The North Shoré Credit Union, for example, pur- chased all its corporate emer- gency preparedness supplics from Fast, and was one of many B.C. companies and corporations that made kits available to employees through payroll deduction. “The cost is a little less painful that way,” says Funk. Many people who have purchased kits say it is some- thing that they have always wanted to do. Now that they finally have done it, it feels good to know they are pro- tecting their family. Will you be prepared if the lights go out at midnight on December 31, 1999? An earthquake prepared- ness strategy is a good start- ing point but here’s a check- ‘list. on how to prepare your home for an emergency in the new millennium: If the lights go out, have a ‘supply of candles, matches, kerosene lamps, flashlights and spare batteries. Can everyone in the fami- ly easily access these supplies in the dark? Because of the added danger of using can- dles and lamps for extended periods, keep a fire extin- guisher in the kitchen and replace your smoke detector battery annually. hether you are an experienced If the heat goes off, if vou have 2 wood-burning fire- place or stove, store extra firewood. Have easy access to extra blankets and sleeping bags. Consider purchasing 3 generator. In the event that food is unavailable, stock up on canned and dried goods. Keep a non-electric can can near by. Special requirements and should — be opener dietary medications stocked, Alternate cooking meth- ods should be considered, but never use barbecues indoors. Don’t forget to store a supply of pet food too. In the event that water is Advertorial At Bricks ‘N’ Blocks customers choose from literally landscape contractor hundreds of styles and colours of or a complete novice, Graham Thomas and his staff at Creative Bricks ‘N’ Blocks will be pleased to help you with your landscape needs. “We'd love to help you design our supply of the garden project that’s just Graham Thomas, owner right for you.” interlocking pavers alone. You will see retaining walls and complete landscaped patios built over their 2 acres of yard space. Plus a wide selection of Birdbaths, statuary, creative planters, even running fountains and ponds. Graham says, “Were not just showing you a block or two or a picture in a catalogue. Our customers can see the colours and feel the textures of all our pavers and retaining walls.” For those on a budget, several thousand pallets of exposed aggregate seconds are always on hand, These high quality patio slabs have very smali blemishes and are half the price of first quality exposed aggregate. Is your project too large for you to handle? Bricks & Blocks have a solid relationship with many ~ reliable contractors and provide a free referral service from garden design to complete packages. Bricks & Blocks also offers Wednesday, May 26, 1999 - North Shore News - 19 cut off, bottled drinking water has a limited shelf life due to oxygen loss, so keep it restocked every six months. One gallon per day per person should suffice for the average individual. Waterbeds provide ample storage room. In the event of injuries, have a first-aid kit to treat equipment rental, sealer for customers who don't want to trek from store to store. minor injuries. It should include bandages, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, anti- septic, a thermometer, as well as aspirin and stomach remedies. Store a first-aid book with the kit. Have at least one family member trained in first aid. —— provided by North Shore Credit Union sand and Located at 1371 McKeen Avenue. Bricks & Blocks is just around the corner form the AirCare. Delivery available. Sale Prices through June 30 [Patio Siabs iminor blemishes) 16” Round EXPOSED Full Pallets Only ‘We are the North Shores source for Allan Stock Retaining Walls. We can pronde expert advice in all phases of welt construction. We work closely with a range of installers ty smallest backyard project to the largest commerci i i ineered drawings and budgets to suit any need. Do it yourset or sit beck