Partnership Makes Getting Hurricane Preparedness Tips as Easy as Shopping

Need tips on how to prepare for hurricanes? You could get that info when you go to the store.

Public health nurses will provide hurricane preparedness information at Longs Drugs locations across the state beginning Monday through July 21. They will also advise shoppers on how to get their households ready for hurricanes and other natural disasters.

“We want our residents to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies before they occur, including how they will manage their health conditions during and after a disaster,” said Joan Takamori, RN, Chief of the Public Health Nursing Branch, in a press release issued by the Department of Health. “Public health nurses can walk shoppers through what to include in their emergency kit.”

Nurses will distribute the “Take 10” guide for putting together an emergency kit and the “Plan To Be Ready” booklet to help families plan for emergencies. A children’s activity book that explains emergency preparedness to keiki will also be available.

“Families are encouraged to have a plan and maintain an emergency kit to last for at least two weeks,” said Judy Kern, Chief of the Office of Public Health Preparedness. “Caregivers and individuals with special needs should take care to also include need-specific items in their kits.”

Hurricane season in the Central Pacific region, which includes the Hawaiian Islands, began on June 1 and continues through November 30, although hurricanes and tropical storms can occur at any time. DOH urges residents and visitors to prepare and plan, as a way to protect both physical health and mental well-being before, during and after a hurricane.

“We’re pleased to team up with the Hawai’i Department of Health to ensure our local communities in Hawai’i are prepared for severe weather this summer,” added Scott Sutton, region director, Longs Drugs. “Whether we’re ensuring our stores are stocked with emergency items, such as water, batteries and first aid supplies, or proactively contacting pharmacy patients to remind them to refill or pick up prescriptions in advance of potential storms, our teams at Longs Drugs are ready to help residents prepare as hurricane season approaches.”

The Hawai‘i Island locations are:

• Kailua-Kona (75 5595 Palani Road)
  • Friday, June 24, 9 a.m. to noon
• Waimea (65-1271 Kawaihae Road)
  • Friday, June 24, 9 a.m. to noon
• Hilo, Prince Kuhio (111 E. Puainako Street)
  • Thursday, July 7, 9 a.m. to noon
• Hilo, Downtown (555 Kilauea Avenue)
  • Thursday, June 23, 9 a.m. to noon
• Keaau (16-529 Keaau-Pahoa Road)
  • Thursday, July 21, 9 a.m. to noon