Mayor Mitch Roth and Hawaiʻi Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd are urging the Hawaiʻi Island community to prioritize fire safety awareness and preparedness in light of the recent fires on Hawaiʻi Island and the ongoing crisis in Maui County. Fire safety is a collective responsibility, and all individuals have a kuleana to take proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks in their residences and neighborhoods. By adhering to key fire safety practices, individuals can substantially diminish the potential impact of wildfires.
Mayor Roth and Chief Todd have outlined several fundamental steps for residents to consider:
Adopt Firewise Practices: Establishing a defensible space around your residence, which entails maintaining a safe distance between trees, shrubs, and other flammable vegetation, can drastically curtail the spread of fires to your property. For comprehensive guidance on Firewise practices, please refer to the resources available on the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) webpage.
Reduce Waste and Flammable Items: Proper disposal of waste and the removal of flammable items around your property are pivotal in averting accidental fires. Residents are advised to securely store firewood, propane tanks, and other combustible materials away from their homes and structures.
Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms: Ensuring the installation of smoke alarms on each floor of your home and conducting monthly tests are imperative. Batteries should be replaced as needed to guarantee optimal functionality.
Create and Practice a Family Emergency Plan: The creation and regular rehearsal of a family escape plan, complete with two exit routes from every room and a designated outdoor meeting point, are vital components of comprehensive fire preparedness.
Stay Informed and Educated: Residents are encouraged to access additional resources, tips, and information related to fire safety and preparedness on the HWMO webpage and the Civil Defense website. To receive real-time Hawaiʻi County emergency alerts and updates, individuals can sign up for the Everbridge notification system.
“The recent events weigh heavy on our hearts and serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact that wildfires can have on our communities,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We have seen how quickly the fires devastated Maui and truly believe that a unified community effort can yield meaningful results in safeguarding homes, families, and our ‘āina. We have the privilege of working toward prevention, and we encourage all of our residents to take advantage of this guidance for the safety of us all.”
Mayor Roth extends his gratitude to the community for their attentiveness to this pressing matter. For further inquiries or assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department or explore the provided online resources.