Hurricane Lane Update #1

Aloha Parents & Guardians:

In anticipation for the possible upcoming hurricane effects on Oahu, Sacred Hearts Academy will notify parents via our EDUCATE system should a school closure be necessary.

Hurricanes can cause life and property-threatening hazards such a flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. The Hawaii Red Cross recommends that residents update their family evacuation plan, emergency preparedness kit and get better prepared. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane.

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The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:

1. Make an emergency preparedness kit

Your kit should include a portable, sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container and should have enough supplies for seven days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your seven-day kit should include:

Water - one gallon per person, per day.
Food - non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruit. Make sure to include a manual can opener
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
A first aid kit.
Prescription and non-prescription medication items (seven-day supply). Include medical supplies like extra hearing aid batteries, syringes, etc.
Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies, a medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home and social security cards.
Cell phone chargers.
Multi-purpose tool.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Extra cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowls).
Maps of the area.

2. Prepare a family evacuation plan

The Red Cross urges each and every household to meet together to develop a household disaster plan. The plan should include:

Identifying two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
Making advanced preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Contact hotels, motels, family members and animal shelters to see if they would allow pets in a disaster situation. Keep a contact list of “pet friendly” locations. If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you.
Choosing an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your emergency contact person’s phone number and email address.
Plan your evacuation route. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home.

3. Be informed

Find out what types of disasters are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.
Contact the Hawaii Red Cross for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization.
Get trained in CPR and first aid so you will know how to respond to emergencies in the event that help is delayed.
If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.

4. Know what to do if a hurricane WATCH is issued

Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.

5. Know what to do if a hurricane WARNING is issued

Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. To locate the nearest Red Cross emergency shelter, check your hurricane app or visit www.redcross.org/shelter
If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.
Secure your home by unplugging appliances.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible.
If you have propane, turn off the tank.
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, please visit http://www.redcross.org/hi/honolulu/programs-services/disaster-preparedness

Sincerely,