Red Cross Offers Hurricane Safety Tips

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The County of Hawai‘i asks resident to tay off the roads if at all possible to avoid hazardous conditions and leave roads open for emergency responders to take necessary action with as much ease and safety as possible.

Red Cross SAFETY TIPS

People in the path of the storms should check their disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed. Emergency preparedness kits should include enough supplies for at least seven days in case someone has to evacuate. Water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents should go in every kit. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks’ worth of supplies at home.

Due to Hawai‘i’s isolation and vulnerability, the Red Cross recommends that people bring their emergency supplies with them to shelters. Airports and ports may be damaged by the storm and slow down the resupply process for local stores.

You’ve packed your kit. What else should you do?

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local media outlets for critical information about the storm.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind.
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and get some extra cash.
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have shutters, close and board up all the windows with plywood.
• 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.
• Unplug small appliances.
• If you are ordered to evacuate, obey the order, avoiding flooded roads and washed out bridges.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane, go online.

PET SAFETY

Pets are also affected by disaster and rely on your help during emergencies. The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. Get simple step-by-step instructions with videos on what to do for poisoning, bleeding, choking, and dozens of other emergencies, as well as what to do in disaster situations. Having this app could be critical to your pet’s survival in any emergency situation. Download these apps at the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP

The Red Cross urges residents to download the free all-in-one Red Cross Emergency app that includes over 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, maps to find the nearest open shelter, step-by-step instructions on what to do before, during, and after a disaster strikes, and lifesaving first aid instructions, diagrams, and videos on what to do for 20 emergencies like heart attack, stroke, bleeding, choking, head injuries, burns, broken bones, asthma attack, diabetic emergency, heat stroke, seizure, poisoning, bee stings, allergies, and unconsciousness.

There is even a one touch “I’m safe” button that allows you to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that you are out of harm’s way.

Contact the Hawaii Chapter of Red Cross at (808) 734-2101 or visit redcross.org/hawaii.