A report from the state of Hawaii has shown that the islands only have 277,376 available shelter spaces for the population of 1.4 million.
Tom Travis, head of Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency, said in a news conference: “We do not have enough shelters for everyone.
“If you’re not in a flood zone, most citizens should remain in their homes. If you are in a flood zone, you should actively seek shelters elsewhere.”
Officials are urging everyone to identify a safe room in their homes that could be a refuge spot for when the storm hits.
How do you know if you’re in a flood zone?
The best thing to do is sign up for alerts so emergency services can let you know if you need to evacuate.
Depending on where you live, here are the links to sign up:
Plan to evacuate before 40 mph winds arrive.
Where should you go?
Authorities will issue a list of emergency shelters once they are open – they are likely to be schools and public buildings strong enough to withstand the storm.
The County if Maui has announced its centres, and with Hawaii Red Cross, they will be opening shelters at 1pm HST for people with special needs, and 2pm for the general public.
Addresses of the shelters are as follows:
- Maui High (pet-friendly) – 660 S. Lono Ave, Kahului
- Lokelani Intermediate (pet-friendly) – 1401 Līloa Dr, Kīhei
- King Kekaulike High – 121 Kula Hwy, Pukalani
- Hāna High & Elementary – 4111 Hana Hwy, Hāna
- Lahaina Intermediate – 871 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina
- Molokaʻi High – 2140 Farrington Ave, Ho’olehua
- Lānaʻi High & Elementary (pet-friendly) – 555 Fraser Ave, Lānaʻi City
Officials ask that people bring their own toiletries, food, water, sleeping items and extra clothing, as they won’t be provided at the shelters.
How should you prepare for evacuation?
Ready.gov advises the following to prepare yourself when a hurricane is 18-36 hours away:
- Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medication, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
- Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations.
- Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
- Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring inside loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
Follow our live updates as the situation progresses here.