Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and families are encouraged to take some simple steps that can save their lives if Hawai‘i is hit by a major disaster. This year for the Central Pacific, 2-6 tropical cyclones systems are predicted. Just one hurricane has the potential to devastate our entire state. The Hawai‘i Red Cross works hard in this community every day to provide relief for those whose lives have been torn apart by disasters. Equally important is preparing individuals, families, and communities before disaster strikes so that families and individuals can learn ways to stay safe during the annual hurricane season and all year long. Due to COVID-19, we will be seeing some changes within our Emergency Hurricane Evacuation Shelters. Become Red Cross Ready with three easy steps:
• Get a kit;
• Make a plan;
• Be informed.
Assemble a Family Disaster Supplies Kit
Have emergency supplies set aside for all household members for 14 days if at all possible, 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, some household tools and other special items for infants, pets, and elderly or disabled family members. For additional safety during the pandemic, face masks and sanitizer are critical pieces to your kit, as well.
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
Decide if you are safer sheltering-in-place at home, a friend’s or family member’s home, or at a public shelter. Identify ahead of time where to go if told to evacuate. 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 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-RED-CROSS to register on the Safe and Well website to inform your family and friends of your whereabouts and how you will reconnect with them.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, go to https://www.redcross.org/hawaii or download the Red Cross Emergency mobile app, which also allows you to monitor emergency alerts and provides locational and first aid information.
People are urged to share these Red Cross hurricane safety tips with every member of your household.
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Matthew Wells is the Regional Communications Manager of the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region Hawaii – Guam – NMI – American Samoa. The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which assists with 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. More info: www.redcross.org/hawaii or call: (808) 739-8109
