How to prepare for an emergency
Advertiser Staff
While Hawai'i leaders say a terrorist attack here is less likely than for the rest of the nation, emergency officials said residents should always be prepared. O'ahu Civil Defense spokesman John Cummings offers some basic information:
General guidelines
Create a family plan and emergency meeting place in case you become separated. The front section of the phone book has disaster preparedness information.
For information
If the emergency broadcast system emits a steady three-minute Civil Defense siren tone to signify an ongoing or impending attack:
- Turn on your radio. Have a battery-powered radio on hand.
- Check media Web sites.
Shelters
Update yourself on the nearest O'ahu Civil Defense shelter to work or home. All 146 shelters may not be open during an attack. The media would give updates on evacuation shelters.
Telephones
- Choose an out-of-state relative as a contact if the local phone system goes down. Residents on Kaua'i after Hurricane Iniki struck in 1992 had difficulty calling each other, but some were still able to call the Mainland.
- If the cell-phone system is down, you may still be able to call a relative on the Mainland to let other family members here know where you are.
Supply kits
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross recommend six basics to stock up on:
- Water: Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).
- Food: Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food.
- First-aid supplies: Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and one for each car. Include prescription and nonprescription medication.
- Clothing and bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Tools and emergency supplies: Have a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, cooking utensils, tape, plastic sheeting, pliers and a whistle.
- Special items: Keep in mind that family members such as infants and elderly or disabled people will have special requirements.
For more information on disaster preparedness, check the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site at www.ready.gov. For the nearest O'ahu Civil Defense shelter, check www.co.honolulu.hi.us/ocda/shelter.htm.
Important phone numbers
- O'ahu Civil Defense: 523-4121
- Police/fire: 911
