Red Cross opens Kaua‘i emergency center for residents affected by kona low

American Red Cross opened an emergency center on Kaua‘i to support any residents affected by the kona low.

Volunteers are standing by at the evacuation location at Kapa‘a Middle School, located at 4867 Olohena Road, and ready to provide safe shelter, snacks, water and emotional support.

Disaster health services, mental health support and spiritual care also are available.

Additional assistance includes sharing information about disaster-related resources available in the community.

Red Cross emergency centers are safe places and act as a hub for help. Anyone affected by the severe storm is welcome to stop by to charge their phone and get support. No ID needed.

If you come to the evacuation location

• Bring prescription medications, comfort items and important documents, if possible.
• Don’t forget any special items for family members, pets or children, such as diapers, formula and toys.
• You’ll be asked to register and provide some basic information, along with any specific needs you might have during your stay, when you arrive at the center.
• You’ll learn about available services and rules. If you have a pet or service animal, volunteers will help get them situated as comfortably as possible.

Everyone is welcome in Red Cross emergency centers, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free.

Volunteers strive to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

The Red Cross helps people of all ages with a wide range of concerns, including disabilities, access or mobility needs and mental and chronic health issues.

Crated domestic pets are welcome.

If an emergency threatens, be prepared to evacuate quickly

• Plan in advance where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay.
• If you need help leaving or use public transportation, you might need extra time to evacuate.
• Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them to stay behind.
• Take your emergency go kit with 3 days of supplies such as food, water and medicine. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices.
• Learn more about what should be in an emergency kit by visiting the American Red Cross Hawai‘i web page.
• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they might be blocked.
• Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they left. You could save a life just by sending a text or making a call.

During a flood, don’t return home until officials say it’s safe

• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they might be blocked.
• If you’re caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
• Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.

Be cautious and take care of yourself cleaning up after a flood

• Wear protective clothing, including long pants, boots, work gloves and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs.
• Watch out for debris and avoid fallen power lines, poles and wires.
• Stay away from floodwaters, which can contain sewage, sharp items, bacteria and chemicals that can make you sick.
• Don’t touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing in water.
• Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Follow advice of local public health officials to protect yourself. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
• If your home was flooded, completely dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible to help prevent mold.
• Keep wet areas well-ventilated and throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.