 | | State of Hawaii |
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| September/October 2012 | Issue 27 |
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Emergency Preparedness E-News
for People with Disabilities and other Access and Functional Needs
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Greetings,
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September is National Preparedness Month! By now, each of us should have our emergency preparedness "Go-Kits" ready along with our family evacuation plan. Use this month to practice plans to make sure all family members are aware of where the emergency "Go-Kits" and emergency food supply are stored and what to do next. Remember those fire drills we all had in school? Practicing our emergency plans with the family should also be done regularly, in order to be familiar with what to do in the event of an actual emergency.The City and County of Honolulu, Department of Emergency Management (DEM) prepared a list of items for your kit that can be viewed at http://www1.honolulu.gov/dem/survkit.htm as well as a five-seven day food supply list at http://www1.honolulu.gov/dem/57dayfoodlist8x14mar09pdf.pdf for your reference. The lists offer suggestions only. When you stock your kits consider customizing them to meet your specific needs. The food list uses an illustration of a plastic bin for storing items. If you are female, the bin may be heavy to lift, so consider using bins that have wheels and a handle to make it easier to transport. Preparing a "Go-Kit," food supplies, and a plan you have prepared yourself and your family if an emergency occurs. When we take the time to prepare, we are more aware and able to deal with the situation at home. The City and County of Honolulu's DEM also sponsored several Emergency Preparedness Fairs in various locations around Oahu. The picture in the header is of Sarah and Jonathan Ahina conducting a shortened version of the Feeling Safe, Being Safe training program at the Emergency Preparedness Fair in Ewa on September 8th. They were one of several workshops offered, and the fair featured many exhibitors at the fair at Ewa Makai Middle School. The community was very responsive and attend the training sessions as well as visited and spoke to vendors at the exhibit booths. DCAB shared a table with the University of Hawaii's Center on Disability Studies' Feeling Safe, Being Safe Program. It was a very enriching experience. Mahalo, DEM!
Aloha, Debbie Jackson
Planner
P.S. Please let us know how you like the new E-News format. Also, is it accessible? Let us know so we can make adjustments!
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| Ready ✔ |  As a reader, you may be wondering what to include in your " Go-Kit." The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a checklist to provide a place to start. Here are their suggestions for basic items to include followed by a list of additional items that will be useful specifically to meet your needs as a person with access and functional needs. Items to include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:- Water, one (1) gallon of water per person per day for at least three (3) days, for drinking and sanitation;
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food;
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
- Flashlight and extra batteries;
- First aid kit;
- Whistle to signal for help;
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place;
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation;
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities;
- Can opener (manual) for food, (if kit contains canned food); and
- Local maps.
Additional Items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:- Prescription medications and extra pair of prescription glasses (if you wear glasses);
- Infant formula and diapers (if you have an infant);
- Pet food and extra water for your pet(s) or service animal (is you are a service animal handler);
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container;
- Cash or traveler's checks and change;
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov;
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate;
- Hearing aid batteries (if you use hearing aids);
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper-when diluted, nine (9) parts water to one (1) part bleach-bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using sixteen (16) drops of regular household liquid bleach per (1) gallon of water. Do not use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners;
- Fire extinguisher;
- Matches in a waterproof container;
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items;
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels;
- Paper and pencil; and
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
For more information, call 1-800-BE-READY or visit FEMA's website at: www. ready.gov/build-a-kit. |
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| Hawaii County Civil Defense Revamps Emergency Notifications |  The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency will switch to a new alert system as early as August 15. "The problem with the current system is that text alerts may take several hours to be received since they rely on an email-based system," Drummond said.
The new system will allow the agency to send pop-up notices to personal computers and send cell phone text alerts more quickly, said John Drummond, Civil Defense administrative officer.
The county currently sends alerts to landlines and cell phones through listed numbers and those who sign up for the service. Email is also used. about 4,500 people are on the list. The messages could be for high-surf and tsunami warnings or road closures.
"You can't tell someone there will be an emergency in three hours if you're not sure if the text message is going to be there within three hours," he said. The new system will send the alerts as fast as any text.
Additionally, the new system will allow the county to send alerts to any cell phone within a geographic area, capturing tourists and other visitors who would otherwise be disconnected from the emergency announcements.
"We have so many visitors that it's going to be a real benefit to it," Drummond said.
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Residents can sign up for the (Hawaii County) alert service by phoning (808) 935-0031 or through the agency's website: www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense/.
(Excerpts from the Hawaii Tribune-Herald article by Tom Callis August 8, 2012)
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| Kupuna Fall Prevention Awareness Week Activities Begin September 22 |  The Hawai'i State Department of Health (DOH) Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch and the Hawai'i Fall Prevention Consortium, in collaboration with The Queen's Medical Center, FOODLAND Supermarkets, MINA Pharmacies, TIMES Supermarkets, and KTA Superstores, are sponsoring Kupuna Fall Prevention Awareness Week activities from September 22 to 30, 2012. The week coincides with National Fall Prevention Awareness Day on September 22nd, established by Congress. "On average, every five hours in Hawai'i a senior suffers a fall injury so serious he or she must be hospitalized," said Director of Health Loretta Fuddy. "Fall prevention is a major concern for the safety and well-being of our beloved kupuna, the fastest growing segment of our population." Falls and fall-related injuries impact individuals, families, the community at large, and the health care system. Fall incidents increase dramatically in the years after age 65, and those who have fallen once are much more likely to fall again. Every year in Hawai'i, an average of 108 kupuna resulting in almost $118 million in hospital and physician charges. Adding the costs of rehabilitation and nursing care can double that amount. "We are very excited about the commitment to senior well-being exhibited by our partners: The Queen's Medical Center, FOODLAND Supermarkets, MINA Pharmacies, TIMES Supermarkets, and KTA Superstores," said Dr. Linda Rosen, Chief of Emergency Medical Services and the Injury Prevention Systems Branch. "By conducting free in-stores reviews of seniors' medications, pharmacists will be providing a much-needed and valued service that can help prevent serious and tragic accidents." Throughout the week, partnering pharmacies will be offering free medication reviews, and "Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors" bag-stuffers will be distributed statewide by participating stores. Sponsor newsletters will also include fall prevention stories and tips, and magnets with fall prevention messages will be available. On September 22nd at the Athletic/Wellness fair at Sangha Hall (Hilo Hongwanji Mission), free physical screening of kupuna to assess their risk for falling will be provided by Hawai'i County Fire Department volunteers and Fall Prevention Consortium members. Beginning September 24th, in-store pharmacists at participating stores statewide will conduct free medication reviews, by appointment, for kupuna to check for medicines that could cause or contribute to a fall. From September 28th to the 30th, free physical screenings will so be provided by Fall Prevention Consortium members and Queen's Hospital volunteers at the Seniors' Fair Good Life Expo at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu. Kupuna fall prevention tips include exercising regularly to increase balance and flexibility, having your doctor or pharmacist review medications yearly, having eyes checked annually, and making the home safer by removing fall hazards, installing safety devices like railings and grab bars, and improving lighting. For more information about fall prevention for kupuna, contact the DOH fall prevention coordinator at (808) 733-9202. For additional information regarding this news release, contact Stan Michaels, Fall Prevention Coordinator, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch (808) 733-9202. (From the State of Hawaii, Department of Health News Release 12-047, September 17, 2012)
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| Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) Director Believes Preparedness is Key to Weathering Disasters |  Raymond Tanabe calls himself a weather geek, which is fitting since he's director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, which provides hurricane forecasts and promotes disaster preparedness as well.
This past week has been especially busy for Tanabe, since the center has been taking part in a number of public activities marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Iniki, which killed six (6) people and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes on Kauai.
The storm also affected Oahu, primarily the west side; and with total damages of almost $3 billion still ranks as the costliest hurricane on record in the central Pacific. ...
"...We learned, as with all disasters that preparedness is key-that we have to make sure that we're prepared, even on a personal level." (Tanabe's reply to a question regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki and what was learned then, in a question and answer interview with reporter Mark Coleman).
"One of the things, you know, is that people think government is going to come to the rescue, right? And that's all true, government will come to the rescue. It just might not be there in the in the hour or two hours directly after the disaster strikes. They will get to you, but it may take some time."
"So I think one of the lessons learned is that we need to make sure that we're all prepared, for our families, for our businesses, to at least bridge those critical few hours, if not longer, if not three, five, seven days, up to a week." said Raymond Tanabe, Director of Central Pacific Hurricane Center. ...
"A lot of times we talk about keeping seven days worth of supplies. But for some isle residents, who are having a hard time financially-you know the economy is not in the greatest shape now-sometimes there are families that are worried about what's going onto the table for the next day or two, much less store supplies for seven days. We urge them to do what they can, whether it's one day's worth, two days' worth, just do what you can, and that will certainly help out, help out their families. And for those of us who are more fortunate, maybe store a little extra and be prepared to help out your neighbors." ...
"It's a bit of coincidence that the two direct hits that we've had in recent time have been both on Kauai, but there's nothing that says Kauai is more susceptible to these hazards than the Big Island or Maui County or Oahu. Every year there's an equal chance that we'll get hit." ...
"...In the past we used to call it a hurricane preparedness kit, and now I think what we started to see is just an emergency preparedness kit in general. For example, here in Hawaii, we have power outages; the power goes out for a few hours or maybe up to a day or two, like when we had that earthquake a while back that caused a power outage. Having that emergency preparedness kit will help out in those events, and it has nothing to do with a hurricane. It wasn't a specific weather disaster; it was a geologic event that caused the power outage." said Tanabe.
(Excepts from The Star Advertiser, 'Name in the News' article by Mark Coleman, September 14, 2012)
To read this interview article in its full and complete form, log on to: staradvertiser.com then go to Archive, Editorials, Name in the News, 'Raymond Tanabe'. |
| American Red Cross Offers New Hurricane App for Smart Phones |  The American Red Cross has launched its official Hurricane App putting lifesaving information in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane-prone areas.
This free app is the second in a series to be created by the American Red Cross, the nation's leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and android platforms, according to a new release. It gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes.
The app also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it.
"We want everyone to be ready for hurricanes," said Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawai'i State Chapter. "The Red Cross Hurricane App allows people to receive and spread emergency information and to share their own status with friends and loved ones through social networks, anywhere, anytime."
The launch of the Red Cross Hurricane app comes just before what is traditionally the busiest period of the hurricane season. Features of the app include:
- One touch "I'm safe" messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm's way;
- Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;
- Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside;
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
- Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;
- Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
- Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
- Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
The Hurricane App follows the recently released Red Cross First Aid App which has had nearly 8000,000 downloads in six weeks. Testimonials and positive reviews have shown how dozens of people already have used the app to help in real-life situations.
The Hurricane and First Aid Apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.
Downloading the First Aid app is not a substitute for training, the press release reminds users.
(Excerpts from Kauai's The Garden Island Newspaper 8/08/2012)
To read the full, complete article, log on to: www.thegardneisland.com/news/local/american-red-cross-offers-new...-for-smart-phones/. |
Emergency Preparedness for People Who Use Assistive Technology
-Important Considerations to address your unique needs
|  IN THE HOME:Plan for the possible need to evacuate your home and do an assessment of the assistive technology ( AT) you use in your home. In addition, make sure you have what you need to shelter in place. Compile a list of the AT critical to support your physical well-being and ability to communicate during an emergency. Have an appropriate back-up power supply and know how long the power supply lasts. The following questions will assist you in developing a list of AT used in your daily life.
Do you use Assistive Technology:- To assist you with mobility?
- To help with your personal care?
- To help you during meal time?
- For communication?
- For transfers?
- For transportation?
Accessible Routes:- If you live in an apartment complex ask about evacuation plans and routes. Check the routes for accessibility and make sure that designated areas of shelter are clearly marked.
- Gather information about how first responders will be directed to residents with disability related needs.
IN THE WORKPLACE:- Evaluate your assistive technology (AT) needs in a workplace evacuation. Do you have personal AT that needs to be evacuated with you? Make sure that you have what you need to shelter in place. Do you need AT to alert you to a disaster and the need to evacuate the building?
- Become familiar with the evacuation procedures of your workplace and consider how a disaster may impact your ability to leave the building safely.
- Elevators may not be available for evacuation. If the elevators are not working, learn the evacuation plan if you cannot use the stairs.
- If you have a mobility impairment, know what AT can assist with evacuation. If there is AT available, where is it located and is it easily accessible? Is someone trained to use it? If AT is not available, ask if your employer can purchase it.
- If you are asked to go to a designated place to wait for help, confirm how the first responders will be notified where you are located.
- If you have a hearing and/or visual impairment make sure there is a working alert system in place.
- Be responsible for your own safety. Develop your own evacuation plan. Do not depend on just one person to assist you. Create a support network to ensure assistance will be available.
General Things to Consider:- Let your local fire department and/or utility company know about your special needs.
- If you have a power wheelchair, consider having a manual chair as a backup. If you use a custom wheelchair for medical support (e.g.,ventilator or oxygen), attach information to it for the first responders.
- Store backup equipment at another location.
- Teach others in your support system how to use your AT and attach laminated instructions.
- Keep critical AT charged and have backup batteries.
- Make plans for someone to notify you of an emergency if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have vision impairment.
- Have a corded land line phone that does not use electricity. A land line phone or cell phone can be used during a power outage.
- Plan for taking AT with you. Remember to take chargers and other components with you!
- Label or tag your AT with your contact information.
- Register your AT with the manufacturer.
- Take a photograph of yourself using your AT. This helps clearly identify the AT belongs to you!
- Keep photographs and a record of all AT serial numbers in a safe location (e.g., safe deposit box).
- Think about how you might go about obtaining a short-term (or long-term) replacement for your AT, if needed. Contact the Pass It On Center or Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) at 1-800-204-7428 (voice) or 1-866-268-0579 (TTY) to find out about obtaining AT.
- Since homeowner's/renter's insurance does not cover damage by ground water, flood insurance may be needed to replace AT lost or damaged in a disaster. Factor in the cost of home or vehicle modifications when determining the replacement value of your home or vehicle.
Emergency Preparedness Resources:Publications:
- Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs: www.fema.gov
- Guide on Special Needs of People with Disabilities for Emergency Managers, Planners and Responders: http://nod.org/
National: ............................................................................................................................................... Source: From publication by the Pass It On Center; the Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT): www.disabilities.temple.edu/piat and the Institute on Disabilities-Temple University (College of Education) |
FEMA Targeted Job Fair
|  President Obama called upon Federal agencies to lead the way in hiring and supporting employees with disabilities on July 26, 2010, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the spirit of the Presidential Executive Order 13548 "Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities" in conjunction with Executive Order 13518 which established the Veteran's Employment initiative this event is planned:
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012
Where: 500 C Street, SW, Columbia Room
Washington, DC 20024
Time: Targeted Job Fair: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FEMA is working to help our veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as those individuals with a disability pr targeted disabilities to find suitable employment while maintaining a sense of self-worth. Subsequent interviews or tentative job offers may be offered during the event and are contingent upon qualifications and completion of a background investigation.
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Disability and Communication Access Board
919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 101 Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 586-8121 (V/TTY) FAX: (808) 586-8129 E-mail: DCAB General Delivery Website: DCAB Home PageCounty of Hawaii: (808) 974-4000, ext. 6-8121# County of Kauai: (808) 274-3141, ext. 6-8121# County of Maui: (808) 984-2400, ext. 6-8121# Molokai & Lanai: 1-800-468-4644, ext. 6-8121#
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