TREASURE CHEST- Andy Deal
THIS week we asked ANDY DEAL, a Station Commander for the Fire and Rescue Service to pack his Treasure Chest for a desert island.
Andy is one of three Station Commanders at Coleraine District which includes six fire stations Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush, Ballymoney, Ballycastle and Rathlin.
Andy looks after the operational side of things making sure that all personnel and fire engines have the appropriate equipment, checking water supplies in the District and responding to fire calls. Andy has been at the Coleraine Station for the last four years.
1. My family
First and foremost I would have to take my family along. I wouldn't be able to live without my wife and kids (two boys and a girl aged five, three and one). I may even consider taking along my in-laws. Bear with me on this - my wife's family is fairly sizeable. She is one of five, there are 14 nieces and nephews and 11 cousins, all of whom are good friends of mine.
2. Surf board
Even though I'm not as good as I'd like to be, it's one of those sports that makes me smile on the inside. I could have had the worst day in the world, but if I'm out surfing then I forget it all, and just smile. So hopefully the waves would be good.
3. Board shorts and flip flops
Anyone that knows me will know that as soon as there is a glimmer of sun in the sky then the shorts come out and the flip flops go on. I normally have a pair of sunnies on my head too.
4. Music
I'm going to need some music, so I'd have to take my decks and record collection with me. The sad thing is that I'd have to dust them off first as I rarely get the chance to use them with three youngsters keeping me busy. My decks are a bit like my surf board, I'm not as good as I'd like to be but they definitely make me smile.
5. Solar panel
I'm also going to need some form of electricity to play my music, so how about a solar panel that could charge a decent sized battery pack? I know it's not that exciting but it's an essential item.
6. Books
A back catalogue of Ray Mears' books. I haven't read any before, but he would have some great advice for survival techniques.
7. Encyclopaedia set
In the hours and days that pass, I'm sure I'll be intrigued by some of the useful and not so useful facts and information. If nothing else it will be good for lighting the fire or steadying the wobbly chair that I would build.
8. Radio
A good long wave radio so I could at least pick up some sort of signal to while away the hours.
9. Flare and flare gun
If for such times that a passing ship or plane comes by, then you can be rescued, that is if you want to of course! It'd be nice to have the option anyway.
10. Supply of fire lighters
The thought of trying to light a fire from two bits of wood (Ray Mears book or no Ray Mears book) would just depress you. Sure give it a try every now and again but use the lighter.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Coleraine
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
