HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR082018PublicurgedtoprepareforpossibleimpactsofHurricaneLane04,
BERNARDP. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Mayor Managing Director
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
News Release
For Immediate Release: August 20, 2018
ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860
Public urged to prepare for possible impacts of Hurricane Lane
LIHU`E — County of Kaua'i officials are monitoring Hurricane Lane as it continues to move
west towards the islands, and are reminding all residents and visitors to get prepared and stay
informed.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Lane is expected to continue its
track towards the state this week. Weather officials anticipate that Kaua'i County could feel
effects of the storm by late Thursday, but forecast uncertainty remains high for Kaua'i at this
time.
With the possibility of tropical storm force winds and heavy rains impacting Kaua'i later
this week, residents — particularly those in the restricted Wainiha-Wi'ena area — are urged to stay
informed and begin precautionary measures.
"We are very aware of the current challenges regarding access on Kuhi6 Highway in
Wainiha, and the additional concerns of landslides that could occur with the approaching storm
system," said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. "At this time we are encouraging all people islandwide
to start preparing and to stay tuned to further updates."
Officials recommend that residents and visitors take the following actions when preparing
for a weather emergency:
• Emergency Preparedness Kits — 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. Set aside an emergency supply of any needed
medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication
after a disaster.
• Check Your Property — Walk your property, checking for small outdoor items that
could be picked up by high winds, and check for potential flood threats. If time and
conditions permit, clear your gutters and other drainage systems.
• Make an Action Plan — Discuss with family members what you plan to do if a
hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Make an action plan, which should include
details such as whether your family will shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter.
There are no plans to open shelters at this time; however, the county will work with
the American Red Cross to open shelters on an as -needed basis and will announce a
list of open shelters if or when they become available.
• Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative — KIUC members should prepare for potential
storm impacts and possible power outages. Please see more information at the end
of this news release, or visit http://website.kiuc.coop/.
• Kaua`i 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. For
more information on preparedness tips for a water emergency, please visit
www.kauaiwater.org or see more information at the end of this news release.
• Stay Tuned — Continue to stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most
up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on
emergency preparedness.
o Kaua`i Emergency Management Agency — www.kauai.gov/kema
o NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center — http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc/
o National Weather Service — www.weather.gov/hawaii, or automated weather line
at 245-6001
o Blackboard Connect (The county's free emergency notification service) — Sign up
at www.kauai.gov/kema, or call the KEMA at 241-1800
Additional Preparedness Tips from KIUC and DOW
Preparedness tips from Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC):
• 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.
Preparedness tips from Kauai Department of Water (DOW):
• Stay tuned to news reports.
• Turn off or disconnect any devices or fixtures that regularly draw water, such as
automatic ice makers, irrigation systems, etc.
• Store enough water for you and your family:
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.