Posted on: Friday, August 7, 2009
Getting ready for a hurricane
Advertiser Staff
PREPARING A DISASTER KIT
Enough bottled water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food for a minimum of five to seven days.
Non-electric can opener.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit, battery-powered radio, tools, extra clothing and bedding. Medication (prescription and non-prescription), pet supplies, cash, sanitary supplies, copies of important papers, contact information, maps and special items for infants, pets and elderly.
Source: American Red Cross Hawai‘i Chapter.
BEFORE A HURRICANE
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with fi” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, but will lessen the hazard of flying glass.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
Take down canvas awnings or roll them up and lash with sturdy rope.
Check outdoor items that might blow away or be torn loose. Secure these items as best as possible or take them indoors.
Consider building a safe room.
“How To” guides for protecting your property from flooding and high winds.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances. Shut off gas valves.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency.
DURING A HURRICANE
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close windows and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. If you evacuate, shut off the electricity at the main switch and gas and water at their main valves.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
COMMUNICATIONS
Stay informed about the weather and keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.
Where will we meet? What if children are at school, parents at work and otherwise scattered through daily activities? Plan a backup meeting place, someplace familiar to everyone.
Consider an off-island telephone contact — a sister in Arizona or an auntie in Las Vegas — so that people here can call there to check in. During the Iniki aftermath on Kaua‘i, some people could call the Mainland but not across the street. That out-of-danger person can keep track of everyone and offer help and assurance.
EVACUATION
Your evacuation plan
Arrange transportation. Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank.
Plan a safe room. A bathroom, pantry or hallway with no windows or only a small window, where your family could stay safely sheltered through a storm.
Develop a family plan.
Plan for special needs. Have what you need to care for babies, family members taking medication, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Know how to shut off utilities: gas, water, electricity.
Know what to do with pets.
Assemble supplies and have a carrying case nearby if you need to evacuate. You can buy a cheap duffel bag at a secondhand store or use a cooler or backpack. Each person in the family should have a kit.
Have important family documents and small valuables where you can grab them. Put them in a waterproof container.
Store family photos and things you can’t carry in a windowless room above flood-risk levels.
LEAVING HOME
Time to evacuate? Civil defense officials urge residents to know where the shelters are closest to your home and your work. But stay put until you’re told to evacuate. You can call 523-4121 or Aloha United Way’s 211 phone line to ask for the nearest civil defense shelter by providing your ZIP code.
Shut off utilities.
Lock house, windows and doors. Wedge sliding glass doors at top.
Leave note for family members who aren’t there with time, destination and telephone number.
What to take with you
Essentials to last three to five days
Keys
Plates and utensils
Survival kit
RETURNING HOME
Drive carefully: Check for downed power lines, emergency vehicles and debris.
Entering home: Check for structural damage, electrical short circuits, gas leaks, broken water lines, and contaminated water and food.
Source: O‘ahu Civil Defense Agency, American Red Cross, other resources
PET CARE
Never leave your animals behind for them to fend for themselves, says the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Do not tie them up or leave them confined in any way. For more information on pets go to www.helpinganimals.com or www.hawaiianhumane.org to find pet-friendly shelters.To care for your pet in times of emergency, the Hawaiian Humane Society suggests that owners keep these things ready:
Pet carriers or cages
Collars that fit, with ID tags and leashes and have your pet microchipped.
One to two weeks of dry pet food
Spill-resistant food and water bowls
Unbreakable containers with a three-day water supply
• Kitty litter, newspapers, plastic bags and cleanser to take care of pet waste
• Your pet’s special medications, if needed
Source: Hawaiian Humane Society, O‘ahu Civil Defense Agency
HURRICANES AT A GLANCE
What’s the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm? Hurricane winds are 74 mph and greater. Tropical storm winds are 39 to 73 mph.
| | |
|
|
