Where to go

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. Residents should identify two to three shelters within close proximity of their home. West Hawaii’s evacuation sites include:

North Kona

c Holualoa Elementary, Kahakai Elementary, Kealakehe Elementary, Kealakehe Intermediate and Kealakehe High schools

South Kona

c Honaunau Elementary, Hookena Elementary and Konawaena High schools

Ka‘u

c Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary schools

Hamakua

c Honokaa High and Intermediate and Kalanianaole Elementary schools

North Kohala

c Kohala High and Elementary and Kohala Middle schools

South Kohala

c Waikoloa Elementary, Waimea Elementary, Waimea Middle schools and the Waimea state office building.

Pets will be allowed at Kealakehe High, Konawaena High, Honokaa High and Intermediate, and Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary schools.

Evacuation site openings will be announced on Big Island radio and television stations. Residents should evacuate to the nearest shelter if they live in low-lying coastal areas, ridge lines exposed to strong winds, low-lying areas subject to flooding, and in wooden or lightly constructed buildings, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense.

For more information, or a complete “Hurricane Preparedness Guide,” call Civil Defense at 935-0031 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense.