Mayor Issues Health Guidance information for Honolulu Residents

Mayor Mufi Hannemann is addressing the global flu outbreak by reassuring Honolulu residents and encouraging them to prepare.

“The federal government has documented dozens of cases of flu nationally which are related to the initial outbreak of the virus in Mexico several days ago,” said Mayor Hannemann.  “The good news for Hawaii is that, as of today, no cases of that particular flu have been identified in our State. In addition the strain of flu that has affected residents on the mainland is a milder form than that which is affecting patients in Mexico.”

“The important thing for our residents is to not panic but instead take the time now to become informed about the effects of an influenza outbreak and think seriously about family disaster planning and preparedness,” the Mayor continued. “Treat this influenza outbreak as you would in preparation for any natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tsunami.”

Mayor Hannemann and the City’s Department of Emergency Management have prepared the following Health Guidance recommendations:

Practice good personal hygiene

• Wash your hands often (15-20 seconds) with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner which can be found at any drug store.
• If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Most residents experiencing cold symptoms are experiencing just that, a simple cold.  However if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and have recently traveled to any of the affected areas you may want to consider consulting your health care provider:
• Fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Disaster Preparedness and Family Disaster Planning

Learn – Educate yourself on disasters that can affect you and your family

Plan – Create and exercise a Family Disaster Plan.  Locate a secondary meeting place and designate an off island contact.

Individual, Family and Business Disaster Planning – Disaster planning is everyone’s business.  Carefully review this information and take the time today to discuss preparedness planning with family, friends and co-workers.

Develop a Disaster Supplies Kit - Create a Family Disaster Supplies Kit with enough materials to last 5-7 days. Consider building a kit for work and for your car.

• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for five to seven days, 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.
• Eating Utensils – Plates, mess kits, forks and chop sticks.  Don’t forget a can opener for canned foods.
• 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 – Get a good kit and consider taking a certified First Aid Course.
• Prescription – Special medications and glasses
• Baby - Infant Formula and diapers
• Pets - Pet food and extra water for your pet

Mayor Hannemann noted the City’s Department of Emergency Management is closely following this evolving situation.  Residents are asked to monitor TV and radio broadcasts and the internet for important information updates from the Department of Emergency Management or other official sources.  The Centers for Disease Control has more information at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/