Hurricane Season in Hawai‘i officially begins June 1st and runs until the end of November. It's been rather quiet, as far as tropical storms go in the Eastern Pacific but all that can change in an instant. If you have recently moved, are new to the neighborhood, have children in school, pets, or disabilities it is important to know in advance what to do and where to go in the case of a disaster emergency in Hawai‘i.
State of emergency procedures, shelters and emergency services are specific for certain areas in the Islands and in some locations, very limited. Knowing what to do in a weather related, natural or man made emergency should be discussed by your 'ohana in depth to ensure that safety procedures are fully understood, meeting places are determined, and emergency supplies are comprehensive and maintained.
When preparing an Emergency Kit for your ‘Ohana, don't forget to include Pet Food, Pet Medications, and other necessities for your furry and feathered friends. If you keep an aquarium and you have to evacuate your home, make sure you have a battery powered aerator back up and put the tank in a safe place away from windows and the potential of flying debris, the bath tub or closet works well.
There are a very limited number of emergency shelters on O‘ahu that accept both you and your pet. Make sure you locate those shelters in advance and plan both a driving route to the shelter and an on foot route. With Hurricanes there is usually time to prepare emergency supplies but with unexpected natural disasters sheltering in place may be the only option so make sure you have water, food, and a fully stocked emergency kit.
PET FRIENDLY Emergency Shelters!
Pet Friendly Shelters on O‘ahu are co-located with some general population shelters. Household pets entering a pet friendly shelter must be caged for safety and owners should provide water and food for their pets.
During an emergency or threat of disaster, emergency management information will be broadcast over local radio and TV stations. When an evacuation is necessary emergency broadcasts may include information about the location of Public Emergency Shelters in affected areas. More information, including the location of shelters designated for people with special health needs, and facilities for household pets may be broadcast, as well as when volunteers will be available to open shelters and direct evacuees to the appropriate areas.
Since Public Emergency Shelters do not stock supplies, please bring provisions from your emergency supply kit at home. You will need at least seven days worth of food, water, and personal items for yourself, family members, and household pets. Make a list of PET FRIENDLY Public Emergency Shelters and note the two or three closest to your home. For additional information contact Department of Emergency Management (808) 723 8960.
Click here for Metro Honolulu Pet Friendly Emergency Shelters>
Should you be at work, your children at school, and your pets at home during an unexpected disaster, it's important to know what to do and where to go if communication and roads are at an impasse and where and how to meet up post disaster if you are separated. Knowing how the geography of your area may pose certain risks or make evacuation impossible is important to know, as well. Do not wait for an emergency to happen before discussing and setting a plan of action, it could be a matter of life an death.
Download the Emergency Preparedness Handbook to prepare for natural disasters in Hawai‘i and get great information to take action and implement steps that could significantly lower your risk of injury and or death during an emergency.
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