Tropical Storm Calvin is headed toward Hawaii with 45 mph winds, as much as ten inches of rain and dangerous swells along the coastline. The American Red Cross is preparing to respond if necessary and urges people in the path of the storm to monitor their local weather, listen to local officials and evacuate immediately if asked to do so.
Hawaii County is under a tropical storm warning which means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Several islands ─ Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island ─ are also under flood watches through Wednesday. Working closely with officials, Red Crossers are pre-positioned on the Big Island to support the operation and will open at least two hurricane evacuation centers. Following landfall, the Red Cross teams will begin damage assessments and determine what other support is needed.
GET READY NOW First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate.
Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants
Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
Store outside items, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, to prevent them from being moved by high winds and possibly hurting someone.
Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channel for the latest updates. Obey evacuation orders from local officials.
Check your emergency kit and replace any missing items.
Prepare to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations.
Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
Never ride out a severe storm in a mobile home, even if it’s in a non-evacuation zone.
Don’t forget your pets.
Bring them indoors and keep a close eye on them.
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets with leashes, carriers, food, water, bowls, litter, litterbox and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated.
Stay indoors. Avoid beaches, riverbanks and floodwaters.
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding. Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
If the power is out, use a flashlight. Don’t use candles or any open flame for lighting.
Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information for open Red Cross shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
