Yes, there is climate change. And yes, climate change and warming ocean waters are making us more vulnerable to hurricanes in Hawaii.
Therefore, when AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) sent us a postcard saying there would be a workshop about Hurricane Preparedness at the library, we decided to attend. We've often heard warnings and read about what to do in case of such a disaster, but this would be a 3 hour workshop with hopefully more detailed information. It surprised us to see more than 50 people there.
We were told that if our homes were built before 1988 when new building codes were put in place, we should have our homes assessed for hurricane wind resistance. Hurricane clips/straps/ties should be installed to prevent roofs from being blown off.
We were also told that it would be a lot more comfortable to stay at home than to go to a shelter because you have to bring everything you need to a shelter including toilet paper. Shelters would not provide you with emergency supplies.
We were warned that although Oahu hasn't been hit hard by a hurricanes like Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, it's just a matter of time. There are more hurricanes out there now and one of them could easily hit us. When it does, it will be even more catastrophic because of our population density.
It's good for us to be reminded of all this because to be perfectly honest, we get pretty complacent after a while. Art and I have lived on the mainland for 35 years and missed Hurricane Iniki. Local people who lived here KNOW hurricanes are always a threat.
This workshop was a valuable reminder that we needed to take the threat very seriously.
We've been keeping water in our spare unused bathroom and saving our empty vinegar bottles to also store water.
One of the informative presenters, Dennis Hwang of the Sea Grant program also suggested getting the waterBOB to store up to 100 gallons of water.
It is a one time use thick plastic container so we'll fill it only when we know the hurricane is imminent.
We were lucky that City Mill had it on sale for $29.99 instead of $39.99. It's available on Amazon for $34.95.
We were also told that if we are in a super danger zone and knew someone who lives above the 4th floor of a tall building, we could be safe there.
I've already told my brother and sister-in-law to expect us if things get bad.
We can bring water... and some cans of spam too.... and frosted Pop Tarts!
POSTSCRIPT:
For homeowners in Hawaii, University of Hawaii's Sea Grant Program has a special Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazzards written by Dennis J. Hwang and Darren K. Okimoto available online.
Therefore, when AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) sent us a postcard saying there would be a workshop about Hurricane Preparedness at the library, we decided to attend. We've often heard warnings and read about what to do in case of such a disaster, but this would be a 3 hour workshop with hopefully more detailed information. It surprised us to see more than 50 people there.
We were told that if our homes were built before 1988 when new building codes were put in place, we should have our homes assessed for hurricane wind resistance. Hurricane clips/straps/ties should be installed to prevent roofs from being blown off.
- Windows should be protected. DON'T open windows during a hurricane. It's a myth that you should do so to equalize pressure.
- Make sure your important people know where you are.
- Important papers should be scanned and given to TRUSTED relatives.
- Check your insurance to see what is covered.
- Set up a 14 day supply of NON perishable food which require little cooking.
- You should make sure you have a gallon of water PER PERSON for 14 days.
- Butane/propane stove or charcoal grill should be available.
- Make sure you have a manual can opener.
- Have your important medication packed and ready.
We were also told that it would be a lot more comfortable to stay at home than to go to a shelter because you have to bring everything you need to a shelter including toilet paper. Shelters would not provide you with emergency supplies.
We were warned that although Oahu hasn't been hit hard by a hurricanes like Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, it's just a matter of time. There are more hurricanes out there now and one of them could easily hit us. When it does, it will be even more catastrophic because of our population density.
It's good for us to be reminded of all this because to be perfectly honest, we get pretty complacent after a while. Art and I have lived on the mainland for 35 years and missed Hurricane Iniki. Local people who lived here KNOW hurricanes are always a threat.
We've been keeping water in our spare unused bathroom and saving our empty vinegar bottles to also store water.
One of the informative presenters, Dennis Hwang of the Sea Grant program also suggested getting the waterBOB to store up to 100 gallons of water.
It is a one time use thick plastic container so we'll fill it only when we know the hurricane is imminent.
We were lucky that City Mill had it on sale for $29.99 instead of $39.99. It's available on Amazon for $34.95.
We were also told that if we are in a super danger zone and knew someone who lives above the 4th floor of a tall building, we could be safe there.
I've already told my brother and sister-in-law to expect us if things get bad.
We can bring water... and some cans of spam too.... and frosted Pop Tarts!
POSTSCRIPT:
For homeowners in Hawaii, University of Hawaii's Sea Grant Program has a special Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazzards written by Dennis J. Hwang and Darren K. Okimoto available online.
The effect of climate change should be making us all take stock in how we are prepared for disaster but many still don’t believe it’s real, when travel north to visit our son, by James Bay, it becomes very apparent the further north we go, it’s frightening, climate change is changing our world and we all need to be aware, I think people that live closer to the land and nature are more aware, they have no choice, , that’s a great water saver device! Thanks for the great tips Kay!
ReplyDeleteClimate change is a fact of our lives now. Great precautions you're taking. We are headed to Lumberton NC in August for a week long mission trip to help with the rebuilding there after two hurricanes!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how ignorant some people are about climate change. They insist that the climate has always changed over time. That may be true, but greenhouse gases have accelerated the rate of change. All the carbon dioxide that autos emit and the effects of burning coal. It is tragic when folks are in denial over facts.
ReplyDeleteHere in Kansas our concerns are not hurricanes. It is tornadoes and flooding.
ReplyDeleteFascinating - let's hope you don't have to use your emergency supplies.
ReplyDeleteIn Florida we always used bathtub water to flush toilets. People often forget that toilets also need water. I had hurricane prep pretty solid then I moved to Arkansas and now it is tornadoes I watch out for. Surviving the storm is often easier than the 10 days or so with out power. Hope your solar panels will make that easier. My mantra was always "If you are prepared, you aren't scared."
ReplyDeleteThat is so super scary to me! It is great to see that you are ready if ever necessary! Fingers crossed they will sit in the corner and collect dust for years to come! Annster's Domain
ReplyDeleteYou are now informed and seem to be well-prepared.
ReplyDeleteOh Yers, gotta have the spam. lol
ReplyDeleteGood to do some prep. We are in SE Washington and hurricanes are not the problem. But, we had a couple of funnel clouds here that did some damage. A new and unwelcome phenomena. Our info meetings this month (3 of them) are about evacuating from wildfires. We've been inundated with smoke for 6-8 weeks for the last three summers. Not all the smoke is local. We get a lot from Canada to the north and SE Oregon to the south. Recently a fire came far too close to town. A huge fire camp set up at the community college at the east end of town between us and the fire. Bless those guys who kept us safe. Because of the many creeks and streams that flow through here we are a heavily treed town in desert area.
ReplyDeleteWe will be gone for almost two weeks in mid-July. I am guessing that is when a hurricane will hit our house!!
ReplyDeleteYou got to imagine the dumb fool who has open windows during a storm.
ReplyDeleteI scare hurricanes.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to have to be much more conscious of severe weather because of climate change.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very valuable seminar. And your writeup about it will be something I will bookmark, Kay. We don't live in a hurricane area, but earthquakes are common. I should do much of what you mention here just in case. Thanks for the reminder! :-)
ReplyDeletewe are told to have a 72 hour emergency kit supply, good idea for any emergency.
ReplyDeleteWe prepare here for earthquakes, and we do have some emergency supplies, but not 4 days worth. Year after year, it gets easier and easier to get complacent. We did not refresh our kits last fall. we need to be sure to do it this year.
ReplyDeleteI have a handbook for preparing for hurricanes in Florida and hope to never have to use it. However climate change has me worried all though the season. I saw the damage on a trip to St. Martin years ago (think it was Luis) and it was scary enough in aftermath.
ReplyDelete