Kudos to Honolulu City Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine for sending out a reminder of the need for a 7-day disaster supply kit.

The city’s Department of Emergency Management advises Oahu residents to prepare one. Strong winds, flooding rains and storm surge could result in evacuations.

“With Hawaii’s remoteness it could be as long as a week before a full disaster relief operation can be initiated,” says the department. “Hawaii residents need to be prepared to take care of all of their emergency needs and those of their family for at least seven days following a major island or state-wide disaster.”

Your disaster supply kit should contain enough of the following items to last for seven days:

• Water – One gallon of water per person per day for seven days for drinking and sanitation
• Food – Non-perishable food that does not require cooking. Popular local foods such as Spam, corned beef and Vienna sausage
• Eating Utensils – Plates, mess kits, forks and chop sticks. Don’t forget a non-electric can opener for canned foods
• Radio – Battery-powered or hand crank radio with NOAA Weather alert
• Light – Flashlight and/or a portable fluorescent or LED light
• Spare batteries – Check annually
• First Aid – Get a first aid kit and consider enrolling in a certified first aid, CPR and AED course
• Whistle – Important for signaling for help. A whistle carries much farther than the human voice and uses less energy than yelling
• Dust Mask – Helps to filter contaminated air
• Sanitation – Moist towelettes, toilet paper, 5-gallon bucket, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Tools – Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, duct tape
• Maps – Local area maps

To receive the most updated forecast track of Ana’s path, visit the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website.

Screen shot

NOAA