Swine Flu Information
Posted by Jules in Press Releases on April 29th, 2009
Hawaii Preparations video, right side of page
http://hawaii.gov/gov
CDC Swine Flu Reports
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
WHO Disease Outbreak News
http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/
Tsunami Mapping Tool
The Tsunami Map Viewer provides residents and visitors of the State of Hawaiʻi easy, online access to the State’s tsunami evacuation zone maps.
This service was created by the NOAA Pacific Services Center in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi. To find out if you are located in a tsunami evacuation zone, enter your address or island area in the search boxes below. The Tsunami Map Viewer returns a map of areas with Tsunami Evacuation Zones based on information that you enter.
Basic Disaster Supply Kit
Posted by Jules in Basic Disaster Supply Kit on April 10th, 2009
- 1 gal./person/day
- 5 day supply of non-perishable, high-energy food items
- bandages, antiseptics, non-prescription drugs
- complete change of clothes, soap, toilet paper, etc.
- prescription drugs, insulin, blood pressure medication, etc.
- flashlight, battery radio, batteries, can opener, needle & thread, whistle
- photo IDs, insurance policies, wills, etc. – all in a plastic bag
- baby supplies, hearing aids, eye glasses, dentures, etc.
VOLCANIC HAZARDS
Posted by Jules in VOLCANIC HAZARDS on April 9th, 2009
LAVA ENTERING THE SEA
One of nature’s most spectacular sights is lava entering the sea. When lava pours into the ocean, seawater flashes into steam causing spectacular explosions and blasting hot rocks, hot water, and molten lava fragments hundreds of feet into the air, out to sea, and inland.
Be Alert to Danger
Lava entering the sea is often hidden beneath a plume of steam, luring visitors too close for safety. Newly formed lava shorelines can collapse generating large waves and blasts showering large lava rocks both inland and out to sea.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
- Always follow approved, marked pathways.
- Stay at least 1,200 feet away from where lava enters the sea.
- Exercise caution if you have heart or respiratory ailments, such as chronic asthma. Acid fumes, cinders and ash particles within the steam plume can irritate eyes and lungs.
- Be alert when observing lava entering the sea. Second degree burns can occur from hot ocean water near the entry or water splashed by large waves.
Safety First when watching lava enter the sea.
Pua ka uwahi he ahi ko lalao.
Where smoke rises there is fire below.
STORM SURGE
Posted by Jules in STORM SURGE on April 9th, 2009
The greatest loss of life due to hurricanes is caused by coastal flooding known as storm surge. In Hawai‘i, water levels rise primarily from high waves generated by storm winds and from low atmospheric pressure near the eye of the storm. Storm surge is often amplified as streams flooded by heavy rain empty into the ocean. Large, unpredictable waves and strong erratic coastal currents make any form of ocean activity dangerous.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
- Never go near the ocean during a tropical storm or hurricane.
- Evacuate low-lying areas when advised by local authorities.
In Hawai‘i, tsunami evacuation zones are used as danger zones for hurricane storm surge.
RAINFALL FLOODING
Posted by Jules in RAINFALL FLOODING on April 9th, 2009
Flash floods are the leading cause of direct weather-related deaths in the State of Hawai‘i. The Big Island averages a damaging flood, caused by heavy rainfall, every 2 years.
Why are floods so dangerous?
- Flash floods can occur within a few hours or even minutes of excessive rainfall.
- People underestimate the FORCE of water. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and 2 feet of water will float your car!
- Deaths occur when people are caught in rapidly rising flood waters.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
- Listen to your radio for the latest flash flood Watches, Warnings, and Advisories. (*see map)
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams during threatening conditions.
- If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Never try to walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- If you come upon flood waters, STOP! You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Huli ka lau o ka ‘ama‘u i uka, nui ka wai o kahawai.
When the leaves of the ‘ama‘u turn toward the upland, it is a sign of flood.
HURRICANES & WINDSTORMS
Posted by Jules in HURRICANES & WINDSTORMS on April 9th, 2009
On Hawai‘i Island northeast trade winds prevail throughout most of the year, generally blowing at 10-20 mph, but:
- Strong gusty trades may reach 40-60 mph.
- Storms approaching from the south and southeast, called Kona storms, can produce hurricane strength winds.
Will a hurricane hit Hawai‘i Island?
Thus far the island has been spared from a major hurricane strike, but since 1950 five storms have caused extensive damage elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
Plan ahead:
- Know the locations of the nearest designated hurricane shelters, usually public schools with reinforced buildings.
When a hurricane warning is issued, Civil Defense will announce which shelters are open.
- Prepare a family plan noting shelter locations and telephone numbers of friends or family on other islands, or the mainland, to use as a central contact point should you become separated or local phone service is saturated.
When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:
- Follow instructions issued by Civil Defense and monitor radio or television for advisories, watches, warnings and update information. (*see map)
- If time permits, complete preparation activities. Board up windows and store loose objects.
- Evacuate to the nearest shelter if you are in a low-lying coastal area, along ridge lines exposed to strong winds, in an area subject to stream flooding, or in a wooden or lightly constructed building.
If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately!
Remember: Hurricane Season in Hawai‘i is June 1 – November 30.
A Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning means hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected to occur within 24 hours. Be prepared.
O ka makani ke ala o ka ‘ino.
Wind is the source of storms.
HIGH SURF
In Hawai‘i more injuries are caused by high surf than by any other coastal hazard. High surf (10-20 feet) arrives along north facing shores each winter. Large waves (4-6 feet) strike south shores during summer months.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
- No matter how strong a swimmer you think you are, remember Hawai‘i’s surf is among the most powerful on earth.
- Large surf often generates powerful rip currents that no one can swim against.
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards. Check with them about ocean conditions prior to going into the water.
- Watch the surf for at least 15 minutes to allow time to see a large set of waves and judge how big the surf is.
If in doubt, don‘t go out.
Emergency Radio Stations
Posted by Jules in Emergency Radio Stations on April 9th, 2009
In an emergency dial 911
Emergency Radio Stations:
KPUA-AM (Hilo) 670 khz
KHLO-AM (Hilo) 850 khz
KKON-AM (Kona) 790 khz
KWXX-FM (Hilo) 94.7 mhz
KKBG-FM (Hilo) 97.9 mhz
KAOY-FM (Kona) 101.5 mhz
KLEO-FM (Kona) 106.1 mhz
Non-Emergency numbers:
Civil Defense
808-935-0031
Police
808-935-3311
Fire Department
808-961-8336
NOAA Weather Radio
WWG76 / WWG27 VHF 162.55 mhz
EARTHQUAKES
Posted by Jules in Earthquakes on April 9th, 2009
Over the last two centuries, Hawai‘i Island has been struck by several destructive earthquakes. These have caused extensive damage and triggered fatal landslides and local tsunamis. In 2006, a major earthquake (magnitude 6.7) occurred deep beneath the northwest coast near Kiholo Bay resulting in an estimated $200 million in damage on the island.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
Earthquakes cause destruction and loss of life by intense shaking. Knowing what to do could save your life.
If you are INDOORS during an earthquake, stay there!
- Move quickly to a safe location, an inside corner of the room or under a strong table.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, and anything that could fall.
- DROP to the floor, COVER your head, HOLD ON and stay inside until the shaking stops. Most deaths and injuries occur when people inside buildings rush outside and are struck by falling debris.
If you are OUTDOORS during an earthquake, stay there!
- Move to an open area away from buildings, utility lines, and trees.
- If you are driving, slow down and stop on the side of the road, but not under a bridge, overpass, power lines, trees or large signs. Stay in your car.
Mountainous areas/slopes/cliffs:
- Be alert for falling rocks and debris.
Beaches:
- Move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland. A local tsunami could strike.
Make sure you know what to do in an earthquake!
Nei ka honua, he ‘ola i ia.
When the earth trembles, it is an earthquake.