Hawai‘i’s location in the Pacific Ocean means that natural disasters, particularly tsunamis and hurricanes, can happen at any time. Even less dramatic weather events, such as winter storms, can knock out power and disrupt campus life. In case things go awry, students need to be aware and stay prepared.
BE ALERT
As a UH student, the university will automatically email you if an emergency, including weather-related events, is anticipated or in progress.
“The University of Hawai‘i at M?noa participates in the UH Alert Emergency Notification System, which alerts the university community in the event of a natural, health or civil emergency,” wrote Jimmy Lagunero, UHM emergency management and civil defense coordinator, in an email statement. “All hawaii.edu email accounts are automatically subscribed to this system; however, students, faculty, and staff are also encouraged to opt-in to receive text message notifications to their mobile phones. Faculty and staff may also provide non-UH email addresses for UH Alerts.”
If a natural disaster is expected and you’re nowhere near a computer or smartphone, don’t worry; you still have a chance of being alerted by the county’s civil defense sirens.
“There are only two occasions on which [the sirens] would sound,” said Mel Kaku, Honolulu’s director of emergency management. “The normal protocol is for tsunamis and the exception would be for hurricanes. … The timing of the actual alarm sounding is dependent on how much notification we can get,” he continued.
“The notification is a coordinated statewide notification. So what happens is that the state civil defense calls all the local counties who have the sole authority and responsibility to sound the sirens, and we coordinate a specific time [to sound the sirens],” he said.
WHAT TO DO
Students who are on campus during a natural disaster event should head to the Athletics Complex, Campus Center or Kennedy Theatre. “There are several buildings that are quite solid and could be used as temporary places of refuge,” said Lagunero.
For students who live off campus, check to see where your nearest evacuation shelter is. Don’t wait until an emergency or natural disaster is in progress, because phone lines and Internet access may be down. Evacuation maps are available online and also in the telephone book.
POWER OUTAGES
Power outages are common in Hawai‘i and don’t need to be part of a natural disaster or emergency situation to be disruptive.
“We had a major power outage on O‘ahu several months ago caused by storm-driven lightning strikes which resulted in the M?noa campus going dark for several hours,” Lagunero said.
“That electrical outage gave us an opportunity to review appropriate responses to the kinds of emergencies that may arise on campus. While some are merely inconvenient, others may have more serious outcomes. Taking simple steps to prepare in advance can minimize the impact of the emergency and make a big difference in ensuring each person’s safety and well-being, as well as that of their family and colleagues, our campus and community,” he continued.
Power outage tips
READINESS
Have back-up light sources available (flashlights, emergency hallway lights); avoid using open flames (candles, lighters).
Back-up your computer files regularly and install surge protectors.
For those dealing with high-security materials, such as cash or confidential information, have procedures in place for unexpected shut-downs.
RESPONSE
Remain calm; provide assistance to others if necessary.
Turn off and unplug electronic equipment and appliances.
Move cautiously to a lighted area. You may need to evacuate the campus building; however, do not use the elevator.
If trapped in an elevator when power goes out, don’t panic. Call Campus Security (956-6911) or the point of contact listed in the elevator to inform
them of your situation, then wait for trained and equipped personnel to release you. Never attempt to leave the stalled elevator on your own.
If in a life-threatening situation on campus, call 911 after contacting Campus Security. This will provide more on-scene details to the emergency dispatcher, who will be in touch with the response team (ambulance or fire department). Security will help guide the team to your location.
RECOVERY
Check for any damages.
Replenish your emergency kits.
Review your disaster preparedness procedures.
Article source: http://www.kaleo.org/features/what-to-do-when-the-weather-gets-wild-1.2611390
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