Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the Department of Emergency Management on Tuesday recognized community partners for their work in disaster preparedness and urged O'ahu residents to keep up to one week's worth of disaster-recovery supplies.

The NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center was recognized for its work in providing important weather-related bulletins and information during severe weather events.

"The information that the Central Pacific Hurricane Center provides is invaluable to our emergency-management system", said Hannemann. "Their bulletins, conference calls and data help the City and the Department of Emergency Management make critical life safety and property protection decisions."

Hannemann also recognized Macy's department stores for its commitment to employee preparedness and business continuity, the Hawaii Hotel and Visitor Industry Security Association for its work in keeping our visitors informed of emergencies, and 22-year HPD veteran Officer Lisa Reed for her work in personal- and departmental-disaster preparedness.

Following the recognition awards Mel Kaku, director for the department of emergency management issued new guidelines for disaster preparedness.

"Hawai'i's isolation can become a very real hindrance following a disaster such as a hurricane. Roads can be blocked and airports and harbors could conceivably be inaccessible for a very long time. This would create delays in receiving disaster supplies and emergency personnel from out of state.

"All residents should be keenly aware of this and be prepared to be self-sufficient for a number of days immediately following a disaster," Kaku said.

Currently, the Federal standard for disaster preparedness is to keep on hand a three-day supply of emergency food, water and other necessities. But the city and Department of Emergency Management will begin promoting a plan that calls for O'ahu residents to be self sufficient for 5-7 days following a major disaster.

"Our family of first responders will certainly be there following any disaster," said Peter Hirai, deputy director for the Department of Emergency Management. "However, in the event of a catastrophic disaster, resources will be stretched to the limit and it's possible that our island may suffer severely impacted infrastructure.

"Should that be the case, it will take a major effort to mount a viable response that reaches everyone who is affected. With hurricane season now less than three weeks away, today is the day to begin discussing what you and your family can do to prepare," Hirai said.

Essential items to include in your emergency preparedness kit are: