Governor Lingle and Major General Robert Lee tour the special needs shelter at Stevenson Elementary School.

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU — Governor Linda Lingle, accompanied by State Civil Defense Director, Major General Robert Lee, today highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness by showcasing the State’s ongoing emergency shelter programs for people with special health needs and pet-friendly shelters.

“We’re in the second month of hurricane season, which runs through the end of November,” said Governor Lingle, who urged all Hawai‘i residents and businesses to be prepared for an emergency. “If you are not already prepared, this is the time to start.

“For many of our residents with special health needs and those who have pets, it is important to know – before a disaster strikes – where these shelters are located and what you need to bring with you in an emergency. Being prepared and having a disaster plan that takes into account the needs of all family members, including pets, can help bring peace of mind while ensuring your family remains safe during a disaster,” the Governor added.

The Governor and Major General Lee toured a facility designated for persons with Special Health Needs as well as a Pet-Friendly Shelter facility at Stevenson Middle School.

State Civil Defense, working with the State Department of Education, county civil defense agencies, American Red Cross, Department of Health, Hawaiian Humane Society, and other public and private sector partners, has, to date, designated 158 facilities statewide that may serve as Special Health Needs shelters, and another 55 facilities that may be used as Pet-Friendly shelters. These shelters are located in separate rooms or buildings on public school campuses where general population emergency shelters are also located.

Special Health Needs shelters are for individuals who do not require hospitalization, but have medical or health needs requiring more attention than is available in general population shelters. Special Health Needs individuals will need to be accompanied by a caregiver when the shelters are activated.

Pet-Friendly shelters will accept pets in carriers (cages) designed for pet use. After taking the animal to the Pet-Friendly Shelter, the owners will go to the general population shelter. The animals will be cared for by Pet-Friendly Shelter managers trained by the Humane Society.

Residents using public emergency shelters must bring all of their own food, water and other supplies, including supplies for their animals in the Pet-Friendly Shelters. It is suggested that they bring enough to take care of the needs of each person and pet for at least two days. All residents are also urged to stock a week’s worth of emergency supplies at home to maintain their families during a disaster.

State Civil Defense also urges people whose homes may be strengthened or retrofitted for the creation of safe rooms to take the necessary steps so they can shelter in place. Sheltering in your home will be more comfortable and convenient than going to a public shelter.

Disaster preparedness information, including the statewide list of public shelters, is available online at the State Civil Defense website: www.scd.hawaii.gov. The shelter list will be updated as more shelter locations are added.