Double whammy for Hawaii with hurricane and earthquake tests island preparedness

| 08.14.2007 | 05:31:246958 |

August 14 '07: In Hawaii, residents and responder officials are bracing for Hurricane Flossie while a 5.3 earthquake struck the Big Island under a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning, CNN reported. To help residents stay informed about the impending storm - which has been downgraded to a Category 3 and is not expected to hit the islands directly - the Honolulu Advertiser has posted a disaster preparedness page on its website.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Flossie "is showing definite signs of weakening. ... But the weakening trend makes it less likely that Flossie will have a major impact outside the Big Island," the Advertiser quoted from the NWS.

In addition to the disaster preparedness site, the Advertiser also has a list of emergency hurricane shelters. The list is active and locations and availability change. Also on the site is information letting residents know that in the event of a hurricane warning, "civil defense information will be released through local radio and television stations and all other available means."

Following last year's earthquakes, officials in the state released a report detailing efforts to coordinate state and local authorities with the media to help raise preparedness levels. The report found that "in the interest of maximizing public safety, it is vital to continue updating the emergency communications plan in response to changing conditions and technological advancements."

On Monday, Hawaiian Governor Linda Lingle issued an emergency proclamation giving the state disaster powers. "Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, adjutant general and director of state civil defense, will have the authority to activate Hawaii National Guard units for assistance and aid to civilian authorities, and to use $2 million in state funds for disaster relief," the Advertiser reported.