The state Department of Health (DOH) has been investigating a cluster of locally-acquired cases of dengue fever on the Big Island. As of December 18th, there are are 145 Hawaii residents and 18 visitors who are confirmed cases of Dengue. This is usually transmitted by mosquitoes that have bitten travelers coming from areas including Puerto Rico, Latin America, South East Asia and the Pacific.

Cases have been identified mainly on the Big Island, and although not likely to travel to other islands, all islands should take preventive measures. DOH has started a "Fight the Bite" public education campaign to inform the public to urge help in keeping Hawaii dengue-free.

To prevent catching or spreading dengue, use mosquito repellant, wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, clear all areas with standing water and spray potential areas with pesticides. For more information, visit the DOH's website and read the Dengue Fever Fact Sheet at http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2015/11/Fight-the-Bite-Fact-Sheet.pdf.

On Monday, December 21, 2015, the City and County of Honolulu's Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services Division will be starting a "soft launching" of the Text-to-911 service.

 

Currently, the island of Kauai has already "soft launched" this service earlier last week. Also, the Big Island and Maui are still working out technical issues, but they will be "soft launching" the service soon.

The service will be a statewide initiative, with a formal announcement sometime in January 2016. This service will assist people with communication access needs to notify 911 by texting instead of calling. We congratulate the counties for meeting the needs of everyone in the community. 

No smoke alarms in your home? Are your smoke alarms over 10 years old? Have you tested your alarms this month? Do you need new batteries in them?

 

The American Red Cross of Hawaii, Honolulu Fire Department, and other area partners are working together to install free smoke alarms in homes of seniors in Hawaii. 

 

The Silver Bulletin's December 2015 issue announced that the University of Hawaii's Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service (CCECS) is offering a course in partnership with the Natural Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) of the free FEMA certified training class on "Natural Disaster for Caregivers of Senior Citizens." A certificate of completion will be provided to all participants who complete the 4-hour course.

 

The course was offered on December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G in Kona and again on December 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Aupuni Center in Hilo. Although these classes are over, call CCESS at (808) 974-7664 to learn when the next scheduled classes will be offered.

With the end of the year upon us, planning for 2016 begins. The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management is providing advanced notice about Emergency Preparedness Fairs for the new year. Look for the one in your area and join us!

 

Two other events are being planned in Mililani and Waipahu. More information will be provided as plans are set. Save the date on your calendar and visit the fair in your area!

For more information contact the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management at (808) 723-8956.