Handbook for Emergency Preparedness
The wildfire that swept close to Pa’auilo Makai and Mauka communities in early June 2021 laid bare the vulnerability to disasters we might experience here on the Hamakua coast. Many residents were under “recommended” evacuation orders as the 1400-acre fire burned through eucalyptus forests and across dry pasture lands. The fire was controlled before it reached homes, but the repercussions were felt throughout our farming and ranching communities. Many of us are now considering our preparations for the emergencies that can upset our lives within hours or minutes.
Hawaiian Electric, with assistance from Emergency and Civil Defense agencies on all islands, has produced a new “Handbook for Emergency Preparedness.” The handbook provides vital information and a variety of tools and suggestions that will help residents to prepare for an emergency ahead of time, to safely withstand the immediate impact, and to recover quickly and securely.
You can download your copy (.pdf) of the handbook by clicking on this cover photo ------------------->
The handbook is directed to residents of all islands and covers a wide range of topics, including:
- · Preparation & checklists, including protection of pets.
- · Emergencies – storms, tsunamis, floods (no mention of volcanic eruptions, however).
- · Electrical safety precautions, including for considerations for solar photovoltaic systems.
- · Food and water safety, sanitizing water and meal preparation.
- · Planning and references – evacuation, communication and reunion plans for family members, and contact information for agencies.
In a general emergency, our local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) may be activated by Hawaii County Civil Defense to provide assistance in our community. While our CERT members are dedicated to seeing our community through a disaster, it would benefit us all if we each did our part to be informed, prepared and capable of sustaining ourselves to the greatest extent possible.