Isle firms participate in disaster readiness
A new American Red Cross program to recruit more volunteers when a disaster strikes has sparked a whirlwind of interest from dozens of companies.
TIPS ON HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: >>Assemble a disaster supplies kit. The kit should have supplies to last five to seven days for you and your family to include medications, nonperishable food, nonelectric can opener, bottled water, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, bedding, extra clothes, copies of important documents, cash, first-aid kit and some household tools. |
The Hawaii State Chapter recently kicked off its Ready When the Time Comes Program, in which the organization joins with companies to assist the community in the event of a natural disaster.
"If we had a bigger event such as a hurricane, we would need a surge capacity (of volunteers) because we would be opening way more shelters than we usually would on a smaller scale," said Tony Kato, the chapter’s training and staff services coordinator of the disaster services department.
So far, more than 50 companies expressed interest in providing volunteers during the launch of the program in Hawaii. Damage assessment, distribution of food and supplies, and assistance at shelters are some areas volunteers are trained in.
Each company will have a point of contact to mobilize its team, making disaster response more efficient.
Kato said he could spend up to two days contacting volunteers for assistance. "With this program, there’s one point of contact for each company. Instead of calling 29 people, I can call three people," he said. Friends and family members of employees of participating companies, including children older than 12, also can volunteer.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
The program was created in 2001 on the mainland. More than 11,000 volunteers from 450 corporations and organizations on the mainland are involved in the program.
Even with fewer storms predicted for the central Pacific this hurricane season, forecasters remind the public to remain vigilant. Hurricane season begins Wednes- day.
Bob Harter, longtime disaster services volunteer, said the program offers tremendous assistance to existing volunteers. Currently, there are 600 volunteers statewide.
Their help will be instrumental during big storms to help relieve volunteers who’ve been on site for long hours, he said. Volunteers also can help console evacuees at shelters. There’s anxiety during storms, he said.
Companies interested in the Ready When the Time Comes program may call Kato at 739-8111 or email him at katot@hawaiiredcross.org. For more information on hurricane preparedness, go to the American Red Cross website at www.hawaiiredcross.org.
