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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR080618CountyofficialsmonitorHurricaneHectorremindpublictobeprepared04, BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR. Mayor Managing Director COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY News Release For Immediate Release: August 6, 2018 ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 County officials monitor Hurricane Hector, remind public to be prepared LIHUE — As Hurricane Hector moves west towards the island chain, county officials are reminding all residents and visitors to get prepared and stay informed. "While Hurricane Hector's current track does not indicate a significant impact to Kaua'i at this time, it is important that we remain vigilant as conditions develop," stated Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. "Please continue to stay informed, and have your emergency preparedness kits ready." According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the latest forecast anticipates that Hurricane Hector will pass south of Hawai'i Island as early as Tuesday evening, but forecast uncertainty remains high for Kauai at this time. Kauai Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) officials recommend that emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-day supply of food and water — to include non- perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day. Kits should also include a battery powered radio, flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines and other items specific to individual and family needs. More information on emergency preparedness is available on the county website, www.kauai.gov/kema, or the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website, http://www.prh.noaa.ciov/hnl/cphc/. Weather products are expected to be modified as conditions develop. The public is advised to monitor local media for weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hawaii. To sign up for the county's free emergency notification service, Blackboard Connect, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema, or call the KEMA at 241-1800. Blackboard Connect is designed to quickly inform residents and businesses about civil defense emergencies including: tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, flash floods, and any other situations that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of residents and visitors. Additional Preparedness Tips from KIUC and DOW: Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) officials announced that members can prepare for potential impacts of the storm and possible power outages as follows: • Protect your appliances and sensitive equipment from power outages and surges that may occur because of bad weather by using surge protectors; • During a storm turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment; • Keep a portable battery -powered radio and flashlights on hand with extra batteries; • In case of loss of power, when the power comes back on and is steady, gradually plug in your appliances; • In the event of high winds, objects can come into contact with overhead lines and electrical equipment causing power interruptions. Sometimes during high winds power lines are knocked down. If you see any lines from utility poles on the ground, assume that they are dangerous and call 911. Kauai Department of Water (DOW) officials advise that during a weather emergency, strong winds and/or flooding can disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, road - access to water sources, and may impact water quality. DOW officials have provided the following preparedness tips for a water emergency. How to prepare for a water emergency: • Stay tuned to news reports; • Store enough water for you and your family; and • Turn off or disconnect any devices or fixtures that regularly draw water, such as automatic ice makers, irrigation systems, etc. How to store water: • Use clean containers, preferably those designed for water storage. Refrain from reusing food storage containers that may have contained food with strong odors (such as mayonnaise or pickles) or containers that previously stored non-food items as the water will pick up the odor during storage. Store water containers in a cool, dry place. • Disinfect containers. Wash containers thoroughly, then rinse it in a mild bleach solution (one capful of liquid bleach to one gallon of water), then rinse thoroughly. • Fill container with water from the tap. Fill the container to the top, keeping minimal amount of air between the water and the cap. Store it in cool, dark place.