LIHUE — Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was looking forward to helping the county Agency on Elderly Affairs distribute the emergency water storage containers to residents of the Lihue Gardens Elderly Housing Friday morning.
The containers, each capable of holding 2.5 gallons of water, are being distributed by the AEA as part of its disaster-preparedness initiative.
Kawakami delivered three of these containers, representing about half of the minimum recommended 14-day supply, to Arleen Sullivan, one of six getting the containers.
The delivery was not limited to just dropping off the containers, but included the mayor watching to see if Sullivan could effectively open the lid, and a verbal instruction in the proper use of the containers to store drinking water in the face of emergencies.
Once disinfected using “original” as opposed to “scented” bleach, Kawakami suggested leaving the filled containers in the sink or another location where the containers are filled.
“We don’t want you to get injured trying to lift the filled container,” Kawakami said. “The containers, once filled with water, can become quite heavy. Just leave it in the sink.”
Kawakami also went over a list of emergency-preparedness tips and made sure Sullivan understood the presented information.
“This is all worthwhile,” Kawakami said, being assured that Sullivan and other Lihue Gardens residents understood why the containers are being distributed.
Agency on Elderly Affairs clients have also been receiving containers via visits by their social workers, said Kealoha Takahashi, AEA director.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
