IN what is believed to be a first for Devon, the Okehampton Lions Club has just launched its message in a bottle project ? an emergency information scheme which covers the whole EX20 postal area.
The bottles, plastic containers about 3ins high. are given away free of charge. The bottles can be obtained from Boots or Lloyds the Chemists, the Medical Centre or Age concern in Crediton Road.
Okehampton Lion Pat Shea said those taking the bottle will find inside two green crosses and a form.
?Stick one green cross on the inside of the main front door and the other on the fridge door,? he said.
?Fill in the form and answer all the questions. These include your name and address, doctor?s name and address and phone number; any serious ailments you suffer from, medication you are taking and name and address of anyone you may wish to be contacted in an emergency.?
The form should be put back in the bottle which should then be placed in the fridge.
If any emergency services attend someone?s home they will, on entry, look behind the front door for the green cross sticker.
?If there is one there and for what ever reason they cannot communicate with you they will go to the fridge, take out the bottle, and read the information it contains,? said Mr Shea.
?This saves valuable time and could save your life,? he said.
If husband and wife are both on medication, a separate form is available by phoning (01837) 53616. Both forms must go into the one bottle.
Since the beginning of January Okehampton Lions have bought a bath for the new hospital, contributed towards a defibrilator for the Medical Centre and are currently funding the Message in a Bottle Scheme.