LIHU‘E — With hurricane season starting Tuesday and running through Nov. 30, families are encouraged to take some simple steps that can save their lives if Hawai‘i is hit by a major disaster. Just one hurricane could devastate the entire
LIHU‘E — With hurricane season starting Tuesday and running through Nov. 30, families are encouraged to take some simple steps that can save their lives if Hawai‘i is hit by a major disaster.
Just one hurricane could devastate the entire state, a news release says. Become Red Cross Ready with three easy steps: 1) Get a kit; 2) Make a plan; 3) Be informed.
— Assemble a family disaster supplies kit
Have emergency supplies set aside for all household members for 5-7 days, including emergency medications, non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, bottled water (one gallon per person per day), a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, bedding, extra clothes, copies of important documents, cash, a first aid kit, medication, some household tools and other special items for infants, pets, and elderly or disabled family members.
— Prepare a personal evacuation plan
Identify ahead of time where to go if told to evacuate. Choose two places-one within your neighborhood and one outside of your neighborhood. Some suggestions would be a friend’s home or a shelter. Get a good map and be familiar with your community’s inundation zones. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If you need to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, bring your family disaster supplies kit. Be sure to also make advance preparations for your pets and people with special health needs like children, frail, elderly and people with disabilities. Please listen to the radio for Civil Defense announcements about which shelters are open.
— Family communications plan.
To best prepare for an emergency, each household member should know how to reconnect with family. Every member of the family even if they are elderly, medically frail or a child should have this information to help them reunite with their family. The following information can be stored on an emergency card that can fit into your wallet. The card should contain each household member’s work, school and cell phone numbers. In addition, this card should contain your 2 meeting places and out-of-state contact person’s number. The reason for an out-of-state contact is because local phone lines may be overloaded or out of service during an emergency. Sending a text message or calling long distance may be more easily accomplished during an emergency. If you need to relocate after a major disaster and have not been able to reconnect successfully with family, you can also register on www.redcross.org or call 1-866-GET-INFO to register on the Safe and Well website to inform your family and friends of your whereabouts and how you will reconnect with them.
— Measure your readiness and preparedness Levels
The Council for Excellence in Government has developed a simple test to measure readiness and preparedness levels. After taking the test, individuals can immediately get test results and recommendations on how to improve (if needed) their family emergency plans. The test is now available on the Hawai‘i State Chapter’s website at www.hawaiiredcross.org.
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance for immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency but depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4371 Puaole Street, Suite A, Lihu‘e, HI 96766. Make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call 245-4919.
