Hawaiʻi County is conducting a CASPER survey — that's short for Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response.
The state Department of Health is working with Hawaiʻi County agencies and community organizations to talk to residents of East Hawaiʻi about what they would do if a disaster occurred.
Next week, survey teams will be visiting neighborhoods in Hilo, Puna, and Kaʻū.
Households selected to participate may be asked about their evacuation plans, their awareness of available emergency resources, and any concerns they have about disaster preparedness.
This information will help officials understand the community's level of preparedness and what gaps may need to be addressed.
The survey is completely voluntary, and all responses will remain confidential. It should take about 10 minutes.
Team members will wear vests identifying themselves as part of the Health Department survey team and will carry identification cards.
DOH hopes to conduct a similar survey on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island in the future.
