LIHU‘E — The nurses from the Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office, who were stationed at the Longs Drugs Kukui Grove Center store on Tuesday, labeled themselves as “Toni’s Angels — Rialyn, Kat and Hil.”
They were dispatched by their supervisor, Toni Torres, the public health nurse supervisor from the Kaua‘i District Health Office, to participate in the retail emergency preparedness event in partnership with CVS Longs Drugs stores in Waipouli and Kukui Grove.
“This partnership brings awareness to being prepared, as we are in hurricane season right now,” Torres said.
“There are lots to show and tell ‘what’ and ‘how’ during this special event at the two Longs Drugs stores that cuts off at noon.”
Torres said this is the third year the CVS stores have partnered with the public health nurses to raise awareness about emergency preparedness.
“In addition to the general preparation, we as public health nurses want residents to also plan and prepare how they will manage their health conditions during a disaster,” the state Department of Health said in a handout for the media.
“Community partnerships like this are so important for disaster preparedness. Government cannot provide everything during a disaster, and we must all work together as well as take personal responsibility for an effective response.”
The time to think about emergency preparedness is not when the emergency situation is facing you in the face. Are you ready?
“This is not just for Kaua‘i,” Hil said. “This initiative is being done across the state on different days.”
The Angels queried Longs Drugs shoppers about their emergency preparedness kits, plans during an emergency, and whether they shared emergency preparedness information with their neighbors and friends.
“It’s about half and half,” Hil said.
“We had about 30 people in the morning. About half of them said they were ready with their kits and needs for their pets and personal medical needs.
“They all have some awareness of emergency preparedness, some having gotten around to putting things together.”
For those who missed the encounter with Toni’s Angels, the public health nurses offer a variety of internet links for preparing an emergency kit, a “Take 10 Guide,” plans for emergency readiness, and a keiki activity book relating to emergencies and emergency preparedness.
A good starting point is to visit the state Department of Health website at health.hawaii.gov, and click the Health Topics button until Emergency Preparedness &Response is found.
“Be prepared. Make a kit, make a plan and stay informed,” the DOH said. “We are grateful to collaborate and partner with Longs Drugs to maintain the health and safety of our communities.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
