Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season in Hawaii is Jun. 1 through Nov. 30

Keep up with the latest hurricane coverage here. Learn how to stay prepared with the information provided below:

Hawaii County Emergency Shelter Locations

A number of facilities on Hawaii Island are designated 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. Evacuation sites include:

North Kona

Holualoa Elementary School, Kahakai Elementary School, Kealakehe Elementary School, Kealakehe Intermediate School, and Kealakehe High School (pet-friendly shelter).

South Kona

Hookena Elementary School and Konawaena High School (pet-friendly shelter).

Ka‘u

Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary schools (pet-friendly shelter).

Hilo

E.B. de Silva Elementary School, Hilo High School (pet-friendly shelter), Hilo Intermediate School, Kaumana Elementary School, Waiakea Waena Elementary School, Waiakea Elementary School, Waiakea Intermediate School and Waiakea High School (pet-friendly shelter).

Puna

Keaau Elementary School, Keaau Middle and Keaau High schools (pet-friendly shelter), Keonepoko Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School, and Pahoa Elementary, Intermediate and High schools (pet-friendly shelter).

Hamakua

Honokaa High and Intermediate School (special health needs and pet-friendly shelter) and Kalanianaole Elementary School (pet-friendly shelter).

North Kohala

Kohala High and Elementary School and Kohala Middle School.

South Kohala

Waikoloa Elementary School, Waimea Elementary School, Waimea Middle School, and the Waimea state office building.

Evacuation site openings will be posted here. 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.

American Red Cross Hurricane Tips

With Hurricane season here and the potential for Hurricane Felicia to affect our state, the American Red Cross in Hawaii emphasizes the need for everyone to be prepared. The American Red Cross recommends three simple actions anyone should take to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed. These three steps will help protect your family, strengthen our community, and potentially save yourself time and money. One critical reminder to everyone: if you evacuate to a hurricane evacuation shelter, there most likely will be no amenities. This means no food service, established sleeping areas or supplies. Hurricane Evacuation shelters simply provide safe shelter to ride out the storm and may be limited to standing room only. It is critical that everyone take the time now to follow these steps to prepare.

Assemble a Family Disaster Supplies Kit

When a disaster strikes your community, you may not have access to food, water, electricity and other essential supplies for days, or even weeks. A disaster supplies kit should include non-perishable food and bottled water (one gallon per person per day) for a minimum of 5-7 days, non-electric can opener, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, tools, extra clothing and bedding, prescription and non-prescription medications, pet supplies, cash, sanitary supplies, copies of important papers, contact information, maps and other special items for infants, pets, and elderly or disabled family members. This kit should be in an easy-to move container so that it can be used at home or taken with you in the event you must evacuate.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

Disasters often strike quickly and without warning and, when they do, often leave a wake of chaos and emotional trauma. People should determine their actions before a disaster occurs. Planning ahead of time makes it easier to make decisions in a potentially stressful time and helps to know what to do if separated from others in the household. Families can – and do – cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. They do this by deciding in advance what they will do when their daily routines are disrupted by an emergency. Planning what each person is to do, where each will go, and how they will get there makes a big difference. Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose two places—one place within your neighborhood and one outside of your neighborhood, maybe a friend’s home. 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 along with bedding. Be sure to also make advance preparations for your pets and people with special health needs like children, frail, elderly and people with disabilities.

Be Informed

It is important that people learn about what disasters or emergencies may occur where they live, work and play. Learning vital lifesaving skills such as First Aid and CPR/AED can help people take care of their loved ones after a disaster occurs and can equip them to become resources to their communities. We also encourage people who are interested in helping out during a disaster to take free disaster training from the Red Cross and find out how you can help with sheltering, mass feeding, health services, crisis counseling and client casework.

More details are available at www.redcross.org/hawaii.