HONOLULU, HI: August 21, 2018 – The Hawaii Red Cross started calling down hundreds of volunteers over the weekend in preparation for Hurricane Lane. The Red Cross is watching the situation closely and working with local and state officials, ready to respond as needed. Everyone from shelter, mental health, and health workers to damage assessment, case workers, and logistics volunteers are on standby.

“Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a tropical storm or hurricane and we urge the public to take the time to prepare for the potential impacts of the approaching Hurricane Lane,” said Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Red Cross.

One step that residents can take to prepare is to download the all-in-one Red Cross Emergency app that puts more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts at your fingertips, providing real-time information to help keep you and your loved ones safe.  The free app includes step by step instructions on what to do before, during, and after a disaster strikes.  You can easily find the nearest open shelter, activate the one touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows you to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that you are out of harm’s way and access lifesaving first aid instructions and videos.

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.

In addition to downloading the Red Cross mobile apps, residents should prepare by making their emergency kits, updating their family evacuation and communication plans, and staying informed.  For more information on what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane, please visit http://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii/programs-services/disaster-preparedness.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world.  To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816 or make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call (808) 739-8109.