Hawaii Civil Defense leads National Preparedness Month

HONOLULU—The State is using September, National Preparedness Month, as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing homes and communities for emergencies in America.

In recent years, advances in how we predict and track hurricanes have improved preparedness and saved lives, but residents and businesses must still be prepared.

By taking simple steps such as creating a disaster supply kit, making a personal or family disaster plan, and staying informed about different threats greatly improves chances for survival and recovery. These activities create a culture of consciousness and can help save lives.

Throughout Preparedness Month, the Hawaii State Civil Defense (SCD) is organizing events to encourage residents to get involved in community preparedness efforts.

• September 14 to 17—FEMA Mass Care Summit: FEMA disaster response subject matter experts and SCD staff will conduct site visits on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island to better understand government and industry capabilities in mass care operations.

• September 20—McCully Seniors at Emergency Operating Center presentation.

• September 20 to 22—Healthy Aging Council representatives will meet with Vice Director Teixeira and SCD staff to discuss initiatives in emergency preparedness for our kupuna.

• September 21—Ewa Beach Seniors at Emergency Operating Center presentation.

• September 24—Cedar Church at Sam Choy’s: Vice Director Teixeira will speak to Kalihi community church leaders about joining Faith-Based Organization community preparedness initiative.

• September 28—Preparedness training for vocational training employees at the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

• September 26—Preparation and execution of annual tsunami exercise Kai Mimiki.

For more information, contact Hawaii State Civil Defense at (808) 733-4300.