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Get ready for Iselle and Julio, state officials warn

The state Department of Emergency Management advises residents to prepare a seven-day disaster supply kit as Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Julio approach the Central Pacific and threaten Hawaii.

Officials say the disaster kit should include enough of the following items to last for seven days:

» Water: One gallon of water per person per day for seven days for drinking and sanitation;

» Food: Non-perishable food that does not require cooking. Popular local foods such as Spam, corned beef and Vienna sausage;

» Eating Utensils: Plates, mess kits, forks and chop sticks. Don’t forget a non-electric can opener for canned foods.

» Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio with NOAA Weather alert;

» Light: Flashlight and/or a portable fluorescent or LED light;

» Spare batteries;

» First Aid: Get a first-aid kit and consider enrolling in a certified first aid, CPR and AED course;

» Whistle: Important for signaling for help. A whistle carries much farther than the human voice and uses less energy than yelling;

» Dust Mask: Helps to filter contaminated air;

» Sanitation: Moist towelettes, toilet paper, 5-gallon bucket, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation;

» Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, duct tape;

» Maps: Local area maps.

» Prescription: Special medications and glasses.

» Infant formula and diapers;

» Pet food and extra water for your pet.

In addition, state emergency management officials advise residents to monitor local media reports. Emergency public information will be broadcast over TV and radio, and additional emergency information is available on NOAA weather radios which are available from many Oahu electronics and department stores.

Residents can also sign up to receive emergency email and text messages sent directly to your cell phone from Nixle. Go to www.nixle.com/dem to set up an account.

DEM will also issue information updates via Twitter and Facebook. But DEM’s Twitter and Facbook pages should not be used to request emergency assistance.

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