Hurricane

PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS

Put all loose items in yard into garage or secure storage area.
Cover windows with plywood screwed into frame or with permanent shutters.
In case windows do shatter, some experts advise taping the interior glass with a grid pattern of masking, duct or strapping tape to keep most of the shards from flying randomly into the room.
Strengthen garage doors or part car against door inside the garage.
Put trash cans, lawn furniture away.
Place extra pet food and water where pets can find shelter away from storm (most public shelters do not permit pets.)
Fill bathtubs with water to flush toilets, sponge baths.

FAMILY EVACUATION PLAN

Prepare a plan together that will identify the route to a public shelter and include a map; identify two other potential shelters in case the first cannot be reached.
Make sure each family member possesses either a cell phone or access to one phone number that everyone can call, i.e. a family member in another community or on another island, in case of separation.

HOME SURVIVAL KIT

Water, a three-day supply at one gallon per person, per day.
Flashlight, with extra batteries.
Portable radio, with extra batteries.
Lantern, with extra fuel and mantles.
Candles.
Matches or lighters.
Can opener, non-electric.
Leatherman or similar type multi-tool.
First-aid kit.
Extra prescription medications, enough for five days or more.
Five days of non-perishable foods.
Ice chest, blue-ice packs in household freezer.
Sleeping bags or blankets and sleeping pad/futon.
Change of clothing for each family member.
Extra shoes, bootes, etc. for each family member.
Hibachi or barbecue, with charcoal and lighter.
Personal hygiene supplies.
Disposable plates, napkins, kitchen utensils, paper towels, etc.
Extra plastic bags.
Several rolls of duct or heavy-duty masking tape.
Extra set of car keys.
Cash.
Spare pair of prescription glasses.
Pet food.
List of family physicians and their phone numbers.
Copies of personal identification, proof of residency.
One photo of each family member in cae of separation.

More Weather-Related Items:

Link: Central Pacific Hurricane Center Website

HURRICANE SHELTERS

Hawaii County Civil Defense has designated a number of facilities as hurricane shelters. In case of a hurricane, announcements will be made listing which shelters are being opened. Evacuation sites include:

KONA:

Kealakehe High, Intermediate and Elementary schools
Kahakai Elementary
Konawaena High
Holualoa Elementary
Honaunau Elementary
Hookena Elementary

NORTH AND SOUTH KOHALA:

Waikoloa Elementary
Waimea Elementary and Intermediate schools
Waimea State Office
Kohala Elementary and Intermediate schools

HONOKAA:

Honokaa High and Intermediate schools
Kalanianole Elementary

KA'U:

Ka'u High

Evacuation site openings will be announced on Big Island radio stations, but to plan ahead, the nearest public school with reinforced buildings will act as a shelter.

Civil Defense recommends residents should evacuate to the nearest shelter if they live in low-lying coastal areas, ridgelines exposed to strong winds, low-lying areas subject to flooding, an din wooden or lightly constructed buildings.

For further information, or a complete "Hurricate Preparedness Guide," call Civil Defense at 935-0031.