DCAB's emergency preparedness activities have been focused on planning and collaborating between agencies to bring three (3) trainers to Hawaii to conduct a train the trainer workshop on establishing Functional Assessment Service Teams (FAST) in Hawaii. There is an article that expands on this subject in this issue.    

Feeling Safe, Being Safe Training Session

Become a certified "Feeling Safe, Being Safe" trainer by attending a Train the Trainer session scheduled on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Easter Seals Hawaii in Kapolei. The training begins at 9:30 A.M. and continues to 2:30 P.M.

Interested individuals who would like to attend are asked to attend as a team of trainer and facilitator. To reserve your spot, respond to Shya Tran at 956-5096 at the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa by April 12, 2012. Space is limited to 20 people, so reserve your space right away. Even though it is past the deadline, contact Shya. If it is not possible to be part of this training session, there may be a way to be put on a contact list for future sessions. 

Emergency Preparedness Survey for Elderly

The Department of Health (DOH) Bioterrorism and Response Branch is conducting a survey to get a snapshot of current needs, gaps, and strengths in emergency preparedness among Hawaii's elderly population. The results of this survey will help guide their outreach and educational efforts. The DOH Bioterrorism and Response Branch would appreciate it if you would take a few moments to complete the survey by Friday, April 20, 2012.

To access the survey, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZPGSG7Z. 

Functional Assessment Service Team (FAST) Train the Trainer

The purpose of a Functional Assessment Team (FAST) is to provide staff to conduct a functional assessment of People with Access and Functional Needs (PAFN) as they arrive at shelters. The assessment will evaluate the essential functional needs that can be supported at a general shelter. FAST will be deployed as shelters are opened and remain in the shelters until it is determined that they are no longer needed. FAST will transfer to other shelters an may return to shelters as needed or requested. Some FAST may remain in the shelters to assist in the overview of Personal Assistants (PA) staff/volunteers in the continuing functional needs support for PAFN. PAFN unable to be supported within the shelter will be relocated to a medical service section of the shelter or be transported to a more appropriate medical facility.  

FAST consists of trained government and non-government personnel who are ready to respond to disaster to work in emergency shelters. FAST members must be willing and able to work under stressful conditions for long hours. FAST works with emergency response personnel to conduct assessments of people with access and functional needs (PAFN) in emergency shelters. FAST helps to facilitate the process of getting resources needed by the PAFN. These resources include durable medical equipment, consumable medical supplies, prescribed medications or a person to assist with activities of daily living. FAST members must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to work in their area of specialty, as well as a minimum of two years experience working with and assessing the needs of people with disabilities.

A fully-staffed FAST has members with experience in the following areas: aging (services/supports, including dietary needs) chronic health needs, developmental and other cognitive disabilities (i.e., traumatic brain injury), hearing loss, vision loss, mental health disabilities, physical disabilities, and substance abuse issues.

Kauai Tsunami Monitoring Goes High-Tech 

Joe Day wrote an article in The Garden Island about this on March 27, 2012.

The tsunami warning system on Hanalei Pier now uses the Internet to relay information to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Oahu. The warning system is located on Kauai's North Shore, the best position to warn of tsunamis generated by earthquakes in Japan or Alaska. Beginning on March 26, 2012, the tide measuring system is connected to NOAA's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on Oahu by high speed Internet instead of the phone line.

A computer system was installed to log tides that are measured 24 hours a day, seven days a week and cannot be measured  off a beach. Any dramatic or sudden rise in the tide could signal the approach of a tsunami. With the new connection, information can now be transmitted to the warning center on Oahu instantly.