Posted at 1:42 a.m., Monday, August 13, 2007
Disaster preparedness: When it is time to evacuate
Advertiser Archives
In the event a hurricane does strike Hawaii, would you know where to go? Below are some tips on what to do when it's time to leave your home — reprinted from The Advertiser's Disaster Preparedness series.
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. See www.honoluluadvertiser.com for a complete list of O`ahu shelters. 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
SURVIVAL KIT
Portable radio
Flashlights
Extra batteries for radio and flashlights
First-aid kit
Non-perishable food
Non-electric can opener
Containers of water
Sleeping bags/blankets/air mattresses
Special medications
Clothes
Personal hygiene supplies
Toilet paper
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, contaminated water/food
Source: O`ahu Civil Defense Agency, American Red Cross, other resources list, check on the Web at www.redcross.org
