This topic is included in the E-News because people over the age of 65 are covered under a group that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calls "people with access and functional needs." Some people with access and functional needs may require different things to remain independent in the community, and others may not need anything additional.

A disaster can affect each person differently. In being prepared, we need to become aware of what hazards and disasters may affect us. The most important thing to do is work with your family and friends to create a support network. Our support networks will make a big difference during an emergency.

The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has a good fact sheet titled "Senior Preparedness."

 

It is a one page sheet with tips about:

• Establishing a Personal Support Network
• How to Identify a Shelter if you need to Evacuate
• Preparing Your Disaster Supply Kit
• Additional Supplies Seniors to Consider for Your Kit

At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2015, thousands of Hawaii residents will "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in The Great Hawaii ShakeOut, the state's largest earthquake drill ever! All neighborhood groups are encouraged to participate in the drill (or plan a more extensive exercise).

 

Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work or travel. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization, and your community.

Why is a "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drill important? To respond quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

A message from Nixle (Honolulu's messaging system) reported that the October 15th drill was on the anniversary of the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake, when a magnitude 6.7 quake, generated offshore from Hawaii Island, shook the state. The earthquake resulted in severe damage to Hawaii Island's infrastructure and its effects reached up the island chain.

This internationally recognized drill allows people at home, work, or outside to practice what to do during earthquakes. Drills provide us all with an opportunity to update emergency plans and supplies, and to secure spaces in order to prevent damage and injuries in case of an actual disaster.

The graphic included in the article depicts a person without a disability, a person with a cane, a person using a walker, and a person using a wheelchair, and shows what each should do during an earthquake. The graphic was designed by the ADA Pacific Center and the Earthquake Country Alliance. There was also a recent webinar on the ShakeOut on October 8, 2016. Listen to the archived version at: http://adapresentations.org/webinar.php?id=108 .

A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) E-Brief included a story titled "Hawaii County CERT Disaster-Wearied Residents." The article is a question and answer interview regarding the 2014 lava flow in the Puna District after the two hurricanes experienced there, too.

 

The Hawaii Humane Society will be hosting an Emergency Pet Shelter Training on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. The training will be held in the Humane Society classroom at 2700 Waialae Avenue in Honolulu. Park at Kuhio Elementary School (2750 South King Street) across the street.

On Oahu, there are 28 pet-friendly shelters designed to keep families and their pets together during a disaster. These shelters are operated by Humane Society staff and emergency pet shelter volunteers.

 

Space is limited to 30 participants. RSVP to the website at:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ebf2bfyz9039d46e&llr=ayjzsjfab.

For more information, contact Marielle at mterbio@hawaiianhumane.org or at 356-2216.

An E-News reader commented after the last issue that workshops and events seem to be mostly happening on Oahu. As the editor, I encourage each reader to send me information of upcoming events in different counties. If you would like to explore and participate in county workshops and events, contact your County Civil Defense Agency and ask them for events happening in your area.

 

Contact your local American Red Cross agency and ask them to include you on a distribution list to learn about classes they offer. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly known as State Civil Defense, works closely with the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management and community Disaster Preparedness Committees to offer workshops in local areas. For example, on Oahu there is a workshop being offered in Hawaii Kai on October 15th and another scheduled for Saturday, October 17th.

DCAB will be happy to include statewide activities in this newsletter. Please e-mail information about your events to me at dcab@doh.hawaii.gov or call DCAB at (808) 586-8121.