Posted on: Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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COMMENTARY
Preparation key to surviving major disaster
By Coralie Chun Matayoshi
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September is National Preparedness Month, a time for you and your family to take some simple steps that can save your lives in an emergency. The Hawaii Red Cross is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to disasters statewide. About every three days, we provide food, clothing, shelter, mental health counseling and hope to disaster victims struggling to get back on their feet after tragedy has struck. We are not a government agency, yet we are always there.
The most common disasters are house fires and floods. But bigger disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunami are inevitable. We are also at risk for a pandemic or terrorist attack. When this happens, the people of Hawai'i are especially vulnerable because of our isolation and dependence on outside sources for fuel, food and other necessities.
This is why the Red Cross is serious about preparing individuals, families, businesses and communities before disaster strikes. Partnering with Central Pacific Bank, HMAA, Marriott, Sprint and KGMB, we have been holding disaster preparedness seminars at CPB branches throughout the state. To sign up, please call 544-0500 (Oahu) or 1-800-342-8422 (Neighbor Islands).
You and your family can become "Red Cross Ready" by following these simple tips:
Make a plan:
Meet with your family members; explain the dangers to children and include caregivers in your planning efforts.
Choose an out-of-town contact. Ask an out-of-town friend or relative to be your contact. When an area is devastated by a disaster, it is often easier to get through to a long distance number. Following a disaster, family members should call this contact and tell them where they are. Contact cards are available at www.redcross.org/contact card.
Decide where to meet. In the event of an emergency, you may become separated from family members. Choose a place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, and a location outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
Escape routes. Identify at least two escape routes from each room in the house if you need to exit quickly.
Plan for those with disabilities and other special needs. Keep support items in a designated place so they can be found quickly and develop a contingency plan that includes an alternative power source for power-dependent life support equipment.
Plan for your pets. Take your pets with you if you evacuate. However, be aware that pets (other than service animals) usually are not permitted in emergency public shelters for health reasons. Prepare a list of family, friends, boarding facilities, veterinarians and "pet-friendly" hotels that could shelter your pets in an emergency.
Be informed. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. In case you have to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring your family disaster supplies kit. Listen to the radio for Civil Defense announcements about which shelters are open.
Make a disaster supplies kit:
If you need to evacuate at a moment's notice, every household should have a disaster supplies kit of items needed to stay safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. Store items in portable containers as close as possible to the exit door. Keep emergency supplies in each vehicle and at your place of employment.That kit should include:
Five- to seven-day supply of nonperishable food, with a manual can opener.
Five- to seven-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person, per day).
Portable, battery-powered or crank radio, extra batteries.
Flashlight, extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper).
Matches in waterproof container.
Whistle.
Extra clothing and blankets.
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.
Photocopies of identification and credit cards.
Cash and coins.
Special needs items (medications, eye glasses, hearing aid batteries.
Items for infants (formula, diapers, bottles).
Tools, pet supplies, map of the local area.
Maintain your plan:
Drill: Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis.
Restock: Rotate your food and water supplies so they don't expire.
Test: Read the indicator on your fire extinguishers and follow the manufacturer's instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 10 years
And finally, learn CPR and first aid. You may be trapped after a disaster with an injured family member or pet. Sign up at www.hawaiiredcross.org to learn lifesaving skills before it's too late.
Coralie Chun Matayoshi is CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawai'i State Chapter. She wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.
