Emergency Preparedness

The Central Pacific Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. That means the possibility of a hurricane is more likely to happen during this period. In the event of an emergency, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may not be available for days, or even a week or longer. You may be asked to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take only the essentials with you.

Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. You may also consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks. Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is located.

Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit

• Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

Consider the following when gathering your food supplies:

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
• Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener.
• Include special dietary needs.

Water Supply

The general rule is at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.

How much water do I need?

• Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.

If storing water in plastic soda bottles

Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.