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NEWS RELEASE: Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Urges Preparedness For Dangerous Weather

December 4, 2021
Categories: 
2021, News Release

For Immediate Release
Dec. 4, 2021

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Urges Preparedness For Dangerous Weather

HONOLULU – A “Kona Low” weather system will be impacting the Hawaiian islands and could bring as much as 25 inches of rain, along with flash floods, damaging winds and landslides to parts of the State, which makes preparedness vital for the safety of your ʻohana and property, the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) advised on Saturday.

Rainfall on Friday and Saturday already has damaged roads and caused localized flooding, and the same weather system has driven dangerously high winds and surf, along with snow at high elevations. Conditions are expected to worsen beginning Sunday afternoon, with effects lasting for several days this week.

HI-EMA is monitoring the effects of the weather and coordinating with our County, State, Federal, and private sector partners to assist as needed, but the public also needs to be aware of the hazards and prepare for the worst. Here are some important steps you can take.

Floods are one of the most common hazards in Hawai’i

  • During heavy rains, or human-made structure failures such as a dam breach, flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning.
  • Be prepared to evacuate and move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to act.
  • Do not cross fast-flowing water in your vehicle or on foot – Turn around, do not drown!

 

  • Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Sign up for Emergency Notifications

  • Please visit https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/for links to each County website for free text-based notifications for the latest updates on natural and human-caused emergencies and disasters.

 

Make a Plan

  • Plan escape routes – ensure all family members know where to go and how to get out.
  • Meeting place – choose a physical location to meet if communication between family members is down.
  • Family communication – identify a family member who lives out-of-state who everyone can notify when they are safe.

Pack a 14-day ‘Go-Kit’ for your family

 

  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
  • 1 gallon of water per person per day
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Face coverings, gloves, and sanitizer
  • First aid kit
  • Battery-powered or crank-powered radio
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Manual can opener
  • Hygiene supplies
  • Whistle
  • Important documents

 

Our community across the State has been through a lot with COVID-19 and other incidents, but remember that we are stronger together; please check on your neighbors and loved ones to help ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead.

 

For more information on how to prepare your family:

 

 

 

 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Adam Weintraub
Communications Director
[email protected]
808-620-5417

For the latest information from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) please go to: https://www.ready.hawaii.gov