Mayor Charmaine Tavares Outlines Preparations, Offers Information on Potential Closures, Important Safety Precautions
File Photo © Wendy Osher 2009.
“Our County of Maui departments have been actively preparing for the effects of Felicia for the past five days,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “We have been staging equipment, assessing problem areas, putting employees on call and coordinating with state and federal agencies, as well as with community support organizations like the Red Cross to prepare for this potential triple threat of heavy rain, strong winds and high surf. We have been doing all that we can to be ready to respond to the expected storm conditions, and have been encouraging families and businesses to prepare themselves as well. While the hurricane is expected to be downgraded by the time it reaches our county, even a tropical storm can be dangerous and I am mindful of the destruction that Maui experienced in December 2007 with similar triple threat conditions.”
The American Red Cross-Maui is expected to release details Sunday evening on shelter locations and guidelines, including a list of sites that will accept pets.
County parks, swimming pools, beaches and recreational facilities may be closed on Monday, including any permitted events at community centers. Depending on weather conditions, other County public meetings, classes and County-sponsored activities and services may be canceled or postponed. A public meeting scheduled for Monday evening on the Molokai Open Space Grant Application by Molokai Land Trust has been postponed.
Click to enlarge image. 5-day cone projection updated at 6:40 p.m. Sat. August 8, 2009. Image courtesy NOAA, & The National Hurricane Center)
Other important safety precautions include the following:
- The public is advised to avoid calling 911 except for emergency situations.
- Motorists are urged to avoid driving in storm conditions, especially in areas that are prone to landslides and flooding.
- Pet owners should try to accommodate pets with friends or at boarding locations if your own home is unsafe for your pet.
- Pets will be allowed at designated shelters in pet carriers only.
If you must evacuate to a non-pet shelter, your pet may remain in your vehicle with the windows slightly open for ventilation. - If your pet is displaced, call the Maui Humane Society at 877-3680 for assistance after storm conditions subside.
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