Timely Advice For Disaster Awareness
By Mayor Mufi Hannemann
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS | Share
Del.icio.us
The earthquakes, tsunami and typhoons that ravaged the islands of Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines have affected many of us with friends and loved ones in devastated areas. We also feel for those suffering in Indonesia and Vietnam.
I urge the public to donate to the major relief funds supporting disaster victims. This is a time where every little bit helps. Please support the American Red Cross of Hawaii,the relief funds organized by the Filipino Community Center, and any other legitimate effort to help those in need.
I am overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support by the people in Hawaii for the victims and survivors of these tragedies. Mahalo to everyone who is organizing collection points and events to raise money.
These recent events serve as a reminder that we must be alert for ensuing disasters. The calamity abroad should help us focus on the steps we must take to remain safe during a natural disaster, and how we can step up to help those who have faced this heartbreaking devastation.
Here are some specific steps that you can take in the event of a natural disaster:
If you are on the shoreline and feel the ground shake, go inland or to higher elevations quickly.
If you are in an evacuation zone, leave if ordered to do so to stay safe.
Do not tie up phone lines or cell phones with non-emergency calls.
Keep streets open for emergency responders.
If there is an earthquake, tune into your emergency channel on the radio or television.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit with flashlights, spare batteries, a seven-day supply of food and water, a whistle, first aid kit, special medications, extra glasses and supplies for your baby or pet.
Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen to weather alerts.
Visit http://www.oahudem.org to view the online tsunami map or look at the tsunami inundation maps in the phone book to determine if your home or business is in an evacuation zone.
Do not return to coastal areas until the all-clear has been announced by emergency officials.
Our hearts go out to everyone suffering from nature’s fury, and our prayers are with them as the relief efforts continue.
Contact Mayor Mufi Hannemann at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
