10 steps to hurricane season preparedness
We are already in the second month of Hawaii’s 2020 hurricane season and while the pandemic is in the forefront in our minds, preparedness steps are very similar regardless of the type of emergency. Take a few minutes to consider your preparation as well as steps you can take to insure the safety and preparation of the kupuna in your family and neighborhood.
IDENTIFY QUALITY NEWS SOURCES
Quality, evidence-based information is an important part of preparation. Hawaii has many offices and agencies that offer this type information. Consider spending some time becoming familiar with a few of these and then bookmarking them for easy reference:
≤ The Office of Public Health Preparedness is part of Hawaii’s Department of Health. Their website includes a page listing current advisories; a section on preparing your household, including creating a kit and a plan in case of an emergency; and sections on both natural disasters and pandemics. Visit the site at go.hawaii.edu/SeA to learn more.
≤ The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources is part of UH Manoa and includes extension offices across the state to serve the educational needs of the public. Their emergency response website highlights preparation and response to emergencies that impact agriculture as well as the community. It’s divided into the different types of threats and includes contact information for the Kahului and Molokai extension offices. At the time of printing these offices remain open virtually. Visit the site at go.hawaii.edu/AeK to learn more.
≤ The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is the emergency agency for Hawaii. While disaster response begins at the county level, when a disaster requires additional resources the county reaches out to HI-EMA for assistance at the state level. In addition to information on family and household preparation, HIEMA’s website also provides information for businesses, links to news releases and emergency proclamations, and community programs and resources. Visit the site at go.hawaii.edu/geA to learn more.
‘TAKE 10’ HURRICANE PREPARATION GUIDE
One of the challenges we face regularly is information overload. Between 24-hour news stations and the information highway of the internet, sometimes bite-sized messages are easier to digest and act upon. This is where Hawaii’s Department of Health’s “Take 10” guide comes in handy. To view the brochure that outlines the 10 steps in full detail, visit go.hawaii.edu/Aec. As you read an abbreviated explanation of each step below, choose one step you will take this week for yourself and for an older family member or neighbor.
1. Water. Store a 14-day supply of water on hand for each member of the household.
2. Food. Add to that supply a 14-day supply of shelf-stable, ready-to-eat foods.
3. Radio and flashlight. Choose those powered by battery, crank, or solar to allow your family to stay connected with emergency related news and updates.
4. Electronics. Keep electronics charged in case of power outage and consider alternative charging options such as solar chargers for these devices.
5. Health and medical supplies. Maintain a 14-day supply of medications and supplies as well as equipment such as CPAP machines or other devices.
6. Clothes. Include a change of clothes, protective shoes, and a blanket or jacket for each member of the household.
7. Hygiene and personal care items. Pack basics such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper as well as sanitation needs such as rubbish bags.
8. First aid and safety supplies. Include a simple first aid kit and sunscreen.
9. Cash and documents. Keep cash in small bills as well as important documents such as insurance, identification, medical, and banking information in a waterproof bag.
10. Supplies for unique needs. Consider and then plan for the unique needs of each person. These may include hearing aids, wheelchairs, pet needs, and comfort items that can soothe in times of increased stress.
What step will you take this week to be better prepared for this year’s hurricane season as well as other emergencies that may arise? ■ Heather Greenwood Junkermeier is with the University of Hawaii Manoa Cooperative Extension, Maui Intergenerational and Aging Programs. Aging Matters covers topics of interest to the aging Maui community and appears on the third Saturday of each month.