A tsunami warning for the coastal areas of all island of Hawaii has people scrambling to secure their homes and protect the lives of themselves and their families. The tsunami originates from the coast of Chile where an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Santiago, Chile in the early morning hours of February 27, 2010.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is urging people to move to higher ground, or evacuate their homes, business and properties for safety reasons. People of Hawaii are rushing to prepare for the tsunami, which is expected to arrive at 11:19 PST. The news reports have shown people of Hawaii standing in line at the gas stations so they have a full tank of gas and buying home supplies, food and water at the stores.
People in some coastal areas are being urged to leave their properties and move to higher ground. People who do not live in the coastal areas are still preparing for the possibility of power outages, closed businesses and lack of access to necessary food, water and medical supplies. Even if they are not forced to leave their home, people may have to live off of their existing provisions.
The Hawaii Civil Defense has advised residents of Hawaii coastal areas to prepared, so they have an emergency plan ready in case the tsunami hits. The first priority should to the have a plan ready in case family members get separated. The plan should include a meeting spot or designated contacts. The American Red Cross recommends having a map planned in advance and making sure the entire family understands where to go in case of separation.
An emergency supply kit should be prepared well in advance of the tsunami's estimated arrival. The emergency kit provisions should include food, water, clothes, blankets, and warm bedding. Pack non perishable food in air tight containers. Any medications needed should be included in the emergency supply kit. First aid supplies, such as antibiotic ointment, bandages, a pain reliever (Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). Drug stores often carry first aid kits with a package of supplies to use in case of basic emergencies.
Provisions should include enough supplies to last three days for each member of the family. If possible, have supplies ready for a longer period of time, because isolation could last for up to seven days and the family could be living off of the provisions, even if they do not have to leave the home.
The American Red Cross recommends the following provisions, as a minimum.
- Non perishable food (three to seven day supply)
- Flashlight
- Battery powered radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medical supplies and medications
- Personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, hand wipes, saniitzer)
- Copies of personal documents (proof of address, insurance policy in, birth certificate, passports, medication list, deed to home, proof of address)
- Cell phones with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Maps of area
If you feel a strong coastal earthquake that lasts 20 seconds of longer you should immediately drop to the ground, cover and hold on. Your first priority should be to protect yourself and your family. After the shaking stops you should gather your family quickly and evacuate. Leave everything behind, as life is the fist priority. As you evacuate the area, be careful to avoid down power lines and stay away from buildings and heavy objects that might fall during an after shock.
Written by Christine Nyholm
HULIQ.com
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