The American Red Cross urges the State of Hawaii to prepare for the hurricane storm season ahead that begins Sunday.
The American Red Cross urges the State of Hawaii to prepare for the hurricane storm season ahead that begins Sunday.
The Red Cross marked National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs through Saturday, with reminders of safety steps that people can take before tropical storms or hurricanes threaten. The Atlantic and Caribbean Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
“Preparedness is critical when it comes to life-threatening disasters such as hurricanes,” said Coralie Matayoshi, CEO, Hawaii Red Cross. “It’s important that families and individuals make time to build an emergency kit, create an evacuation plan, and download the free Red Cross Hurricane App to help make it through the next storm safely.”
PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM
Hurricanes are powerful and dangerous storms. They can bring heavy rains that cause major flooding, destructive winds that down power lines, uproot trees and damage homes, and storm surges that travel several miles inland destroying everything in its path.
As hurricane season approaches, it is important to know the difference between the threat levels.
A Hurricane Watch is when conditions are a threat within 48 hours. It’s then time to review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed.
A Hurricane Warning is when conditions are expected within 36 hours. It’s then time to complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.
Now is the time for families and individuals to build an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan.
DOWNLOAD THE HURRICANE APP
The free Red Cross Hurricane App puts real time information on hurricane safety at your fingertips. This app, which has more than 970,000 downloads, is a must have for anyone who lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do.
Features of the Hurricane App include information on local Red Cross shelters and a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The one-touch “I’m Safe” button lets someone instantly tell family members and friends they are okay. People who are traveling or have loved ones in hurricane-prone areas can also use the app to receive weather alerts.
The Hurricane App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Learn more about all of the Red Cross mobile apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.
Learn more about hurricane preparedness at redcross.org/hawaii.