HONOLULU, HI- September 11, 2018: Hawaii Red Cross volunteers are in the process of opening the following County evacuation centers today in Maui County and on Oahu in response to Tropical Storm Olivia. Maui County evacuation centers are scheduled to open at 6pm tonight and Oahu evacuation centers are scheduled to open at 8pm tonight. Please listen to your local County Civil Defense for further updates.
MAUI COUNTY (Opening at 6pm)
Hana High & Elementary – 4111 Hana Hwy, Hana
Maui High School (pet friendly) – 660 Lono Ave, Kahului
Kihei Elementary (pet friendly) – 250 E. Lipoa Street, Kihei
Kalama Intermediate (pet friendly) – 120 Makani Road, Makawao
Lahaina Civic Center – 1840 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina
Molokai High – 2140 Farrington Ave, Ho'olehua
Lanai High & Elementary – 555 Fraser Ave, Lanai City
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU (Opening at 8pm)
Kaneohe District Park - 45-660 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe
Kalihi Valley District Park - 1911 Kamehameha IV Rd, Honolulu
Kailua District Park - 21 S Kainalu Dr, Kailua
Ewa Mahiko District Park - 91-1205 Renton Rd, Ewa Beach
Waianae District Park - 85-601 Farrington Hwy, Waianae
Manoa Valley District Park - 2721 Kaaipu Ave, Honolulu
Wahiawa District Park - 1129 Kilani Ave, Wahiawa
BYU-Hawaii - 55-220 Kulanui St, Laie
Due to Hawaii’s isolation and vulnerability, the Red Cross recommends that people prepare their emergency kits for 14 days. Airports and ports may be damaged by the storm and slow down the resupply process for local stores. People should bring about 3 days of emergency supplies with them to the evacuation centers.
Pets entering a pet friendly shelter must be in a pet carrier or cage for safety and owners must provide water and food for their pets and will be expected to assist in the care for their pet.
The Red Cross encourages everyone to be prepared before disasters strike: Get a disaster kit, make a plan and be informed. Go here for more information: https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii/about-us/our-work/disaster-preparedness.html
1. Know the terms used to identify severe weather. A Hurricane Watch means conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed. A Hurricane Warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities. Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings: Take these alerts seriously. They often bring life-threatening flooding and dangerous winds.
2. Listen to local radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
3. If local officials order evacuations, evacuate. Be prepared to evacuate quickly. You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org or by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency App.
4. Keep a battery-powered radio handy.
5. Be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan.
6. Fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued.
7. Build an emergency kit that contains supplies for about three days, to include a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications and copies of important documents. Remember items for young children such as diapers, and family members with special medical needs.
8. Create an evacuation plan for your household. Learn about how your community responds to hurricanes and plan routes to local shelters. If you already have a disaster kit, replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications or other medical supplies.
9. Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets, including sturdy leashes or pet carriers, food and water, bowls, cat litter and pan and photos of you with your pet in case they get lost. Additional pet safety tips are available.
10. Businesses of all sizes should prepare in advance for the approaching storm to prevent loss of life, property, or disruption to operations.
FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
1. Know the difference. A flood/flash flood watch means a flood/flash flood is possible in your area. A flood/flash flood warning means flooding/flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Follow any evacuation orders.
2. Listen to local radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. People should keep informed about weather conditions and listen to the advice of local officials.
3. Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. Keep it nearby.
4. Turn around, don’t drown. If driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
5. Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.
6. Keep children and pets out of the water.
7. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.
TIPS ON RETURNING HOME AFTER A STORM
1. After a flood, do not attempt to return to affected areas until officials say it is safe to do so.
2. Once you are able to go home, look for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, cracks in the foundation or other damage before you enter your home.
3. During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
4. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
5. If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
6. If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
7. Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.
8. Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out.
Download free Red Cross mobile apps. Have safety and first aid information at your fingertips. The hurricane app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay. The apps can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.
How You Can Help. Help people affected by Hurricane Lane. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Visit redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. To send a contribution, mail your check to:
American Red Cross of Hawaii
4155 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
Make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call: (808) 739-8109.