Red Cross staffing evacuation centers as Tropical Storm Hone approaches Hawaiʻi Island

Update: 8:45 p.m., Aug. 25, 2024

The American Red Cross, working in close partnership with emergency managers and community partners in the County of Hawaii has closed all evacuation centers as of Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, 6 p.m. All residents have been assisted and the Red Cross will continue to monitor community sheltering needs. 

Previous Post: 3 p.m. Aug. 24, 2024

In partnership with Hawaii County, American Red Cross volunteers will be staffing evacuation centers in response to Tropical Storm Hone’s approach. Evacuation Shelters have opened as of 2 p.m. at the following sites:

HAWAIʻI COUNTY

• Pāhoa High School Gym
  15-3038 Pāhoa Village Rd. 
  Pāhoa, Hi 96778
• Kea’au High School Library & G Building
  16-725 Kea’au-Pahoa Rd.
  Kea’au, Hi 96749
• Mountain View Elementary Cafeteria
  18-1235 Volcano Rd.
  Mountain View, Hi 96771
• Waiakea High School Gym
  155 W Kawili Street
  Hilo, Hi 96720

For those going to the evacuation centers, you must bring your essentials with you. Families are responsible for their own bedding, food, water and medicine. Additionally, make sure you have your phones, chargers and other necessary items. 

SAFETY REMINDERS:

“Now is the time to be Red Cross Ready, refresh your emergency kit and take safety measures,” says Tony Briggs, interim CEO of the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region. “We are working with local authorities and taking immediate precautions to prepare ourselves and our community.”

STORM SAFETY: The Red Cross is ready to respond and urges everyone to get complete their preparations now. Here are safety steps to follow:

• Know the difference between a watch and warning. A WATCH means a hurricane, tropical storm or flooding is possible. A WARNING means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Take immediate precautions.
• Get your home ready. Store outside items, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, to prevent them from being moved by high winds and possibly hurting someone.
• Tune into your local trusted news channels for the latest updates. Obey any evacuation orders from officials.
• Check your emergency kit and replace any missing items.
• Prepare to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations.
• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
• Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare a pet emergency kit with leashes or carriers, food, water, bowls, cat litter and box, and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated.
• Stay indoors; avoid beaches, riverbanks and floodwaters. Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding. Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
• Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out. Avoid using candles.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION Sadly, people cause 85% of wildfires by burning debris, using equipment improperly, discarding cigarettes carelessly, leaving fires unattended or intentionally setting a fire. To help prevent wildfires, follow these critical tips:

• Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Hot components under your vehicle can spark fires.
• Use equipment responsibly. Lawn mowers, chain saws, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wildfire.
• Use caution any time you use fire. Dispose of charcoal briquettes and ashes properly, never leave any outdoor fire unattended, and make sure that outdoor fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
• Store combustible or flammable materials in approved safety containers away from the house.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Red Cross encourages everyone to be prepared before disasters strike: Get a disaster kit, make a plan and be informed.

Get a disaster kit. Every family should have their own disaster kit. Full details about what the kit should contain are available at www.redcross.org/hawaii (see Programs and Services/Disaster Preparedness) or in the Red Cross Emergency app.

Make a plan. All members of the household should work together on the family disaster plan. A Family Disaster Plan Template is available on redcross.org that people can download and complete to make or update their plan. Planning together is important so everyone in the household knows what they should do if something occurs. The plan should include ways to contact and find one another in an emergency, including two places to meet – one near the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire – and one outside the neighborhood in case circumstances prevent people from returning home. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.

Stay informed. Listen to local media to keep updated on the status of Tropical Storm Hone. Evacuation shelter locations and opening times will be shared by local media. Do not automatically go there.

Download free Red Cross mobile apps. Have safety and first aid information at your fingertips. The hurricane app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay. The apps can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.