WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii (July 29, 2013) -- Tropic Storm Flossie is expected to make landfall on Oahu later this evening, July 29.
Expect heavy rain, strong winds, high surf and flooding in low-lying areas.
Stay tuned to the garrison's Facebook and Twitter, as well as the local news for updated information. Residents should have an emergency kit and action plan prepared.
Although Flossie appears to be decreasing in strength, heavy rains and and flooding are still expected on Oahu. Flooding can be localized in a particular neighborhood or widespread. Flash floods can develop in a matter of minutes, caused by heavy rains or overflowing streams and rivers. Rushing flood waters can be deeper and stronger then they look and can carry debris, rocks and mud.
Honolulu Department of Emergency Management will open 10 evacuation shelters on Oahu at 3 p.m., for those who feel that their residence may not be safe from severe weather and high surf. Otherwise, you are encouraged to shelter-in-place at your residence of workplace.
These state shelters provide only emergency refuge. You must bring all of your supplies with you, including food, water and other emergency needs like medications, as well as bedding or a cot to sleep on.
These shelters will accommodate pets. Pet owners must provide a solid-sided pet carrier or cage for each pet, food, water and sanitation supplies. In addition, owners will be expected to assist in the care of their pets.
Off-post shelters:
•Waianae District Park, 85-601 Farrington Hwy., Waianae
•Wahiawa District Park, 1139-A Kilani Ave., Wahiawa
•Ewa Mahiko District Park, 91-1161 Renton Rd., Ewa Beach
•Kailua District Park 21, South Kainalu Dr., Kailua
•Kilauea District Park, 4109 Kilauea Ave., Honolulu
•Koko Head District Park, 423 Kaumakani St., Honolulu
•Waimanalo District Park, 41-415 Hihimanu St., Waimanalo
•Waialua Church of Christ, 67-174 Farrington Hwy., Waialua
•BYU Hawaii, 55-220 Kulanui St., Laie
•Kalakaua District Park, 720 McNeill St., Honolulu
At this time, there is no plan to open on-post safe havens. If this changes, alerts will be posted on the garrison's social media pages.
As Tropical Storm Flossie approaches Oahu, make sure you and your family are prepared. Here are some tips from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management:
•Fill up the fuel tank in your vehicle.
•Have spare cash on hand. The amount you would normally spend in one week is a good choice.
•Be aware of the hazards that hurricanes and tropical storms create -- destructive storm surge, severe flooding and high winds.
•Know the location of your nearest hurricane shelter but DO NOT automatically go there. Locations and opening times will be broadcast over TV and radio. Here is a link for Hawaii Hurricane Evacuation Shelters off post: http://www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/dptms/HawaiiPublicEmergencyShelters.pdf.
If safe havens or shelters are opened on post, garrison's social medai sites will be updated with that information.
•Know if you are located in a tsunami evacuation zone. Evacuation zones for hurricanes and tropical storms are the same as those for tsunami events. Evacuation zones are printed in the yellow tabbed section of the phonebook white pages. Visit http://tsunami.csc.noaa.gov/.
•Consider designating an off-island friend as a family emergency contact should you be separated following a hurricane or other disaster. When phone systems are restored, family members would check in with this person.
•Plan to care for your family pets in the event you have to evacuate your home. Do not leave pets at home. If your home is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. Not many shelters accept pets, find out more at http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/sites/default/files/DisasterBrochure.pdf.
•Find out if your insurance policy covers flood damage.
•Stock a 3-7 day supply of non-perishable foods and emergency supplies.
•Make sure you have a battery operated radio, flashlight and spare batteries on hand at all times.
Due to the expected heavy winds from Flossie, secure outdoor furniture, toys/recreational equipment and garbage cans (after pickup) outside your homes and work places. This will aid in decreasing debris and damage.
Social Sharing