Red Cross and Hawaii County opens evacuation shelters

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU, HI- August 30, 2016: The Hawaii County Civil Defense and the Hawaii Red Cross have partnered to open Big Island hurricane evacuation shelters at 5 p.m. today in response to Hurricane Madeline at the following sites (please listen to the radio or local media for any changes and further updates):

HAWAII COUNTY

  • Hilo High – 556 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo
  • Honokaa High & Intermediate* – 45-527 Pakalana St, Honokaa
  • Kalanianaole Elementary*– 27-330 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou
  • Ka‘u High & Pahala Elementary* – 96-3150 Pikake St, Pahala
  • Keaau High* – 16-725 Keaau-Pahoa Rd, Keaau
  • Kealakehe High* – 74-5000 Puohulihuli Street, Kailua-Kona
  • Kohala High & Elementary – 54-3609 Akoni Pule Hwy Kapaau
  • Konawaena High* – 81-1043 Konawaena School Rd, Kealakekua
  • Laupahoehoe High – 35-2065 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Laupahoehoe
  • Mountain View Elementary – 18-1235 Volcano Hwy, Mountain View
  • Pahoa High*– 15-3038 Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa
  • Waiakea High* – 155 W Kawili St, Hilo
  • Waikoloa Elementary – 68-1730 Hooko Street, Waikoloa
  • Waimea Intermediate – 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea

*Shelters able to accommodate pets

HURRICANE SAFETY. 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 7-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 Hawaii’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 to: http://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii/programs-services/disaster-preparedness.

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.

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

For more updates, follow the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross on Twitter at @HawaiiRedCross. You can also contact the Hawaii Chapter at 808-734-2101 or visit redcross.org/hawaii

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