Another hurricane season is here and it’s time to remind Hawai’i residents, especially seniors, of the need to be prepared and have a disaster plan.

Oahu Civil Defense and the City and County Elderly Affairs Division, offer tips on how to be disaster-ready. Following are some of their recommendations:

Take responsibility. Local officials and relief workers may not get to you for 48 to 72 hours. Do not expect government agencies to make special arrangements for you in the middle of a disaster.

Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. Even if you have physical limitations, you can still protect yourself. If you are not totally independent develop a support network of people who will help in an emergency. Write their names and contact information where you can find it.

These are the how-tos of being prepared:

Listen and read. Storm watches and warnings are broadcast by radio and television. Check the newspapers or on the Internet. Ask friends and family to notify you.

A watch means be prepared, a hurricane may occur within 36 hours. This is the time to have your survival kit ready and contact your support network.

A survival kit can be put in a backpack, a cooler or a bag and should include the following:

• Portable radio and flashlight with extra batteries
• Sleeping bag or blanket and air mattress
• Extra clothing, covered shoes
• Nonperishable food for three to five days, a can opener
• Bottled water (2 quarts/1 gallon per day per person)
• Disposable cups, plates, utensils, paper towels, plastic bags
• Medications and first aid kit
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper and moist towelettes
• Extra eyeglasses, hearing aides, etc. Label any equipment such as wheelchairs, canes or walkers you need
• List of contacts, doctors, medications

A warning means that hurricane may occur within 24 hours. Act to protect your life and property. Listen for announcements of shelter openings, anticipate siren soundings and evacuation advisories or orders. TheBus provides free transportation to the nearest shelter during a declared evacuation.
If told to evacuate, go to homes of friends, relatives or to shelters. Before leaving home, shut off electricity, water and gas. Lock doors and windows. Store water in containers, bathtub, and washing machine.

If told to shelter in place, find a safe place in your home, apartment or condominium. This would include rooms such as large walk-in closets, enclosed hallways, bathrooms or other areas with a minimal amount of windows.

By planning ahead, you can weather the storm. And, remember hurricane season lasts through Nov. 30.

For further information:
Oahu Civil Defense Agency, 650 S. King St.; 523-4121
Web: www.oahucivildefense.com
American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road; Automated phone: 734-2101
Web: www.hawaiiredcross.org
Hawaii State Civil Defense, 3949 Diamond Head Road; 733-4300
Web: www.scd.hawaii.gov