Make a Plan
Living in Hawaiʻi comes with its own set of unique challenges, including the potential for natural disasters. Every family is unique and so is every family’s emergency plan. Think about what special people, pets, or circumstances you should plan for. Identify the needs and make a plan for each member of the family ahead of time so you can be confident you can take care of your family in an emergency.
Reviewing and exercising your family disaster plan is essential to be prepared when it counts. You want everyone in the family to know what to do and feel confident in their roles during emergencies. It’s a good idea to do regular check-ins to see if any gaps or updates need to be made to keep your plan current.
Think of your disaster plan like planning a camping trip. It helps build confidence, adaptability, and teamwork among your family members. Just like you prepare for a camping adventure by packing the right gear, planning meals, and considering different scenarios, treating your disaster plan similarly can give you that sense of readiness in handling unexpected situations.
An emergency plan can have a variety of different elements. Learn more about each one below:
Every family is unique and so is every family’s emergency plan. Think about what special people, pets, or circumstances you should plan for. Do you have keiki or kupuna who might need extra help in an emergency? Do you have a pet that you need to pack food or a crate for? What about your power requirements? Do you need electricity for medical devices? Identify the needs and make a plan for each member of the family ahead of time so you can be confident you can take care of your family in an emergency.
Learn about the different methods of receiving emergency information, such as via TV, radio, official social media, NOAA Weather Radio, and the outdoor siren warning system. Ensure that your plan includes having multiple methods of receiving emergency information.
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Having a 14-day disaster supply kit is crucial for Hawaii residents due to the islands’ isolation and reliance on air and sea transportation, making them susceptible to supply chain disruptions during emergencies. A well-prepared kit provides essential items like non-perishable food, water, and medications, ensuring self-sufficiency during extended disruptions caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and tsunamis. The remoteness of the islands may delay outside assistance, emphasizing the need for residents to have their provisions for an extended period.
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Some disasters and emergencies require quick evacuation. Make sure that you have an Evacuation Go Bag for the circumstances in which you may need to evacuate quickly.
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Create a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, schools, workplaces, doctors, and other relevant contacts. Local telephone and cellular communication systems may be disrupted or overwhelmed during a disaster. While it is possible for communication links off-island can also be disrupted, an out-of-state contact provides an alternative means of communication when local systems are disrupted. This contact is a central point for family members to check in, share information, and relay updates to concerned relatives.
FEMA Family Communication Plan
If you have children enrolled in school, check with their school administration for crisis plans and know what to do if an emergency or disaster occurs. Include this information in your family disaster plan.