Judy Kern is the Chief of the Office of the Public Health Preparedness of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
Hurricane season in the Central Pacific region, which includes the Hawaiian Islands, began on June 1 and will last through Nov. 30, although hurricanes and tropical storms can take place on any date. The Hawaii DOH encourages residents and visitors to prepare and plan, as a way to protect both physical health and mental well-being before, during and after a hurricane.
“Families are encouraged to have a plan and maintain an emergency kit to last for at least two weeks,” Kern said, according to a Department of Health News Release. “Caregivers and individuals with special needs should take care to also include need-specific items in their kits.”
Other officials echoed the importance of being prepared for hurricane season.
“We want our residents to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies before they occur," Joan Takamori, RN, Chief of the Public Health Nursing Branch, said in the Department of Health News Release.
Public Health Nurses will put out the “Take 10” guide for putting together an emergency kit and the “Plan To Be Ready” booklet to aid families in preparing for disaster situations. At Longs Drugs locations through the state, Public Health Department officials will advise shoppers on how to get their homes prepared for hurricanes and other natural disasters.