Evacuation Sites to Open at Noon

The Hawai’i Red Cross, in partnership with Hawai’i County Civil Defense, will be opening volunteer evacuation shelters throughout the island in response to Hurricane Ana, beginning at noon Friday.

The following have been named evacuation shelter sites:

Kau High and Pahala Elementary Schools – 96-3150 Pikake St, Pahala

Kealakehe High School – 74-5000 Puohulihuli St, Kailua-Kona

Konawaena High School – 81-1043 Konawaena School Rd, Kealakekua

Pahoa High and Intermediate School – 15-3038 Pahoa Village Rd, Pahoa

Waiakea High – 155 W Kawili St., Hilo

At this time, evacuation is optional and individuals can go to these sites voluntarily if deemed necessary.

The Red Cross wants to remind people to prepare their emergency kits. If evacuation is necessary, take personal emergency supplies to the evacuation site with you as the sites act as a shelter but cannot provide supplies for people who come to them.

A disaster kit is encouraged to have seven days’ worth of supplies.

Items that are suggested to keep in your disaster supply kit include the following: Water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights, radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications and medical items, manual can opener, multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of documents (prescriptions, proof of address, dead/lease to home, insurance policies, proof of identity), cell phone and coordinating charger, family contact information, cash, bedding, change of clothes, towels, and dishes.

Other items you may need if you have children or pets are, baby supplies (diapers, bottles, baby food), games and activities, comfort items, pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, water, carrier, bowl, and medications.

Households are also encouraged to make a family disaster plan, which should include ways to contact and find each other in an emergency, including two places to meet, one near home and one out of the neighborhood. It is also important to choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. These are general guidelines for emergency plans that can address a variety of disasters, not just tropical storms and hurricanes.

For full details about what an emergency kit should contain, as well as a template for a family disaster plan, and more updates, you can visit the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross’ website.