Mayor Hannemann and the Department of Emergency Management recognize community preparedness partners and release new guidance on disaster preparedness

Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the Department of Emergency Management today recognized community partners for their work in disaster preparedness.

The NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center was recognized for its work in providing important weather related bulletins and information during severe weather events.

“The information that the Central Pacific Hurricane Center provides is invaluable to our emergency management system”, said Mayor Hannemann.  “Their bulletins, conference calls and data help the City and the Department of Emergency Management make critical life safety and property protection decisions”.

Mayor Hannemann also recognized Macy’s department stores for its commitment to employee preparedness and business continuity, the Hawaii Hotel and Visitor Industry Security Association for its work in keeping our visitors informed of emergencies, and 22-year HPD veteran Officer Lisa Reed for her work in personal and departmental disaster preparedness.

Following the recognition awards Mel Kaku, director for the department of emergency management issued new guidelines for disaster preparedness.

“Hawaii’s isolation can become a very real hindrance following a disaster such as a hurricane. Roads can be blocked and airports and harbors could conceivably be inaccessible for a very long time.  This would create delays in receiving disaster supplies and emergency personnel from out of state.  All residents should be keenly aware of this and be prepared to be self sufficient for a number of days immediately following a disaster.”  Kaku said.

Currently, the Federal standard for disaster preparedness is to keep on hand a three-day supply of emergency food, water and other necessities.

Starting today, the City and County of Honolulu and the Department of Emergency Management will begin promoting that residents plan to be self sufficient for 5-7 days following a major disaster.

“Our family of first responders will certainly be there following any disaster.  However, in the event of a catastrophic disaster, resources will be stretched to the limit and it’s possible that our island may suffer severely impacted infrastructure.  Should that be the case,  it will take a major effort to mount a viable response that reaches everyone who is affected’, said Peter Hirai, deputy director for the department of emergency management, “With hurricane season now less than three weeks away, today is the day to begin discussing what you and your family can do to prepare.”

Essential items to include in your emergency preparedness kit are:

• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
• Food - Non-perishable food that does not require cooking to consume.  Popular local foods such as Spam, corned beef and Vienna Sausages are handy.
• Radio - Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Light - Flashlight and or a portable fluorescent light and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Pet food, pet carrier and extra water for your pet

In addition to emergency supplies everyone should have a disaster plan, an out of state emergency contact and be prepared by learning all you can about the disasters that could affect us here in Hawaii.

Contact:

John M. Cummings III

Public Information Officer

(808) 723-8957  Office (808) 499-7937  Cell