Maui Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday

Hurricane Ana Lightning in Makawao / File Image: Jimmie Hepp

The Maui County Disaster Preparedness Expo, taking place this weekend, is being held in conjunction with the onset of the 2016 Central Pacific hurricane season which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, 2016.

Last year’s season brought a record setting 15 tropical cyclones to the region, the most activity since reliable record keeping began more than 45 years ago

“Last year’s record-breaking hurricane season, which was full of close calls for Hawaiʻi, underscores the need for Maui County citizens to be better informed and better prepared for any potential hazard,” said Anna Foust, Maui County Emergency Management Officer.

The Maui Civil Defense Agency will present the Maui County Disaster Preparedness Expo this Saturday, June 4, 2016, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

The Expo will feature prize drawings for free disaster preparedness items for residents’ emergency kits, exhibits, displays and educational workshops to help residents better prepare for emergencies and disasters.

The Expo will include displays and workshops from the following:

Emergency preparedness pamphlets are available from the Maui County Civil Defense Agency. Photo by Wendy Osher.

• The American Red Cross will present a shelter display to show the limited space size designated per person in a hurricane shelter. Talk to volunteers about what should be brought to a shelter if you have to evacuate from your home.

• Maui County Health Volunteers, sponsored by the Dept. of Health, will be offering free blood pressure screening.

• 2016 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook – presented by Chris Brenchley, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service.

• Fight the Bite: Preventing the Spread of Mosquito-borne Diseases – presented by Sara Routley, Dept. of Health Maui District Office.

• Hawaiian Hazards Awareness & Resilience Program – presented by Sharon Mielbrecht, Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Pacific Disaster Center.

• Homeowner’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness – presented by Dennis Hwang, Faculty at U.H. Sea Grant College Program and co-author of “Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards.”

• Sign-ups will be taken for Maui County Emergency Notifications at the Maui Civil Defense Agency table.