Hawaiʻi dodged a bullet with Hurricane Lane, once a Category 5 storm, being downgraded to a tropical storm. Once we were advised of the hurricane, all the Hawaiian islands felt the worry and rush to prepare for the possible impact of Hurricane Lane. It was a stressful time watching how fast nonperishable food and water began disappearing from the grocery store shelves, preparing our homes for potential wind damage and ensuring our loved ones were prepared and cared for accordingly. Preparing makes sense in times like this and it’s best to get ready now for next time.
Be prepared.
Put together a kit.
Make a plan.
Stay informed.
Caregivers of older adults must consider:
- Is their residence safe; (Or, if it’s an assisted living community, does it have a disaster plan in place?)
- What to do in case of an evacuation (where to go and fail-safe transportation options to get there);
- The possibility of being trapped inside their homes without power or running water for two weeks.
By having a plan, it saves time, confusion and provides peace in mind. It’s best to have this plan and everything in place before the start of Hawaiʻi’s hurricane season. If you need extra help preparing, FirstLight Home Care of Honolulu can help prepare an emergency plan. Call us!
Emergency Kits
This means every person should assemble a hurricane preparedness kit consisting of essential supplies:
- Drinking water, one gallon per person/per day
- Nonperishable food and juice
- Manual can opener
- Battery powered radio
- Batteries
- Medications
- Flashlights, or better yet, headlamps to free up one’s hands
- Battery operated headlamps
- Toiletries
- Non-essential comfort items might include: pillows, books, and games to help pass the time
- Remember your pets – make sure you have all the necessary items to keep them safe.
Also important is to prepare a second kit in case of a quick evacuation:
- Personal ID’s
- Cash, Credit Card
- Extra set of car and house keys
- Important papers (birth certificate, deeds, insurance papers)
- Back up to hard drive (flash drive)
It is a good idea to place the above items in an airtight plastic bag to protect them against getting wet.
Make a plan
Create a network of neighbors, relatives, and friends who can be called upon to help if a hurricane hits. Come up with a contingency plan in case key contacts aren’t home or able to provide assistance when needed. Remember you can call FirstLight Home Care of Honolulu to assist during these uncertain times.
If your loved one doesn’t feel safe in their home, consider having them stay with relatives or friends in a safer home or area, checking into a hotel, or pre-admission into a medical facility for those with special health issues. For kupuna who are mobility impaired and live in a high-rise building, purchase an evacuation or escape chair, which allows a person to be quickly and safely transported downstairs.
If a hurricane does hit, the most important thing is to stay calm, experts say. By staying informed, creating emergency kit(s) and having a plan will make for a lot less stress for seniors.
Stay informed and ready
The National Weather Service typically issues hurricane advisories within twenty-four to thirty-six hours of a tropical storm threat. Upon learning of an advisory: charge your cell phones and keep vehicles gassed up and ready to roll.
Monitor the TV and radio, preferably the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) weather station. Seek shelter in an interior room such as a bathroom or basement; stay away from windows and exterior doors. Prepare to evacuate, and don’t be fooled by the storm’s calm eye: wait for official word that the danger has subsided before venturing out of the house.
The American Red Cross offers several publications to help people prepare for a disaster. One of the most relevant is Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors.
FEMA’s Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs is another helpful source. Disaster assistance, if needed, is available through FEMA. To register, call (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585.
Another good information resource can be found online at http://www.hurricanes.gov.
Keep safe! Get Ready!
