State emergency officials: Identify a safe room in your home now

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With Hurricane Lane bearing down on the state, officials are preparing to open emergency shelters in places that could see the biggest impacts.

But in some cases, they say, your home might be better than any emergency shelter.

Oahu Emergency Management officials are in the process of reviewing emergency shelter sites islandwide to determine if they're actually safe.

Some couldn't withstand a Category 1 hurricane. Others are in flood zones.

Right now, officials said, there's no master list of shelters. Instead, they'll release a list of available shelters when they open.

In the meantime, officials are urging residents to identify a safe room in your home or business that could be a spot to take refuge.

If you're in a flood-prone area or in an evacuation zone, you shouldn't consider a safe room in your home.

The city also released these other guidelines for residents as the Hurricane Lane nears:

When should I evacuate?

Emergency officials will issue evacuation orders. Plan to evacuate before 40 mph winds arrive.

Where should I go if I evacuate?

Authorities will issue a list of emergency shelters when they're opened.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says most public schools can serve as shelters. Authorities are evaluating which school facilities are strong enough and in safe areas.

They add that the public should check the front of a phone book for a list of locations or to Google search shelter locations.

You can also choose to evacuate to the home of a relative or friend whose home is safe.

I do not drive or have a car, how do I evacuate to a shelter?

City buses may be used as evacuation shuttles once shelters are opened.

These will display a special "evacuation" sign and will pick you up free anywhere along the route.

Will emergency shelters have medical equipment or other supplies?

No, public shelters don't provide life-sustaining services. You'll have to bring your own supplies.

This story will be updated.

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