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By Kathy Covey
Fifteen years ago Hurricane Iniki struck the Hawaiian island of Kauai with winds of 130 miles per hour—causing more than $2.3 billion in property damage. Today, Hawaii braces for Hurricane Flossie.
Pet owners on the Big Island prepare as Hurricane Flossie bears down on the less populated southern side of the island. Now a category 2 storm, Flossie is expected to pass within 100 miles of Hawaii, bringing strong winds and up to 15 inches of rain. With no where to evacuate to, residents and tourists are stocking up on supplies to weather out the storm.
Josi Morgan, Executive Director for the Hawaii Island Humane Society, encourages residents to bring pets inside—"If it's not safe for you, then it's not safe for your pets," she cautions.
The Hawaii Island Humane Society's three shelters will be closed for adoptions in preparation for the impending hurricane. Humane officers will be available 24 hours a day for emergencies and may be contacted at 808-934-5577.
There are several pet-friendly shelters if Big Island residents need to evacuate from their homes:
- Hilo High School
- Kau High School
- Keaau Middle School
- Keaau High School
- Pahoa High School
- Kekaulike High School
- Konowaena High School
- Honokaa High School
- Kalanianaole Middle School
- Waiakea Elementary School
- Waiakea High School
Hurricane Flossie is the first hurricane of the season to pose a real threat to a populated area of the United States. The storm should also be a reminder that pet owners need to get prepared for any sort of disaster by creating a plan and gathering supplies to keep their pets safe.
"The key to survival during a disaster is to be as prepared as possible before the storm hits," said Melissa Rubin, vice president of field and disaster services for The Humane Society of the United States. "Take the time to create a plan and assemble an emergency kit for you and your pet now."
The Humane Society of the United States advises all pet owners to:
- Get a Kit
- Make a Plan
- Get Involved
The HSUS National Disaster Animal Response Team consists of animal care and control professionals, emergency services and rescue professionals, and other qualified volunteers. Team members are trained in community disaster response and preparedness as well as specialized response techniques for rescuing animals affected by disasters. Becoming a NDART™ member provides you the opportunity to help your community's pets.
