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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR082218_8AMUPDATE04, 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 22, 2018 ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 8 A.M. UPDATE: Hurricane Watch issued for Kauai County; Mayor Carvalho signs emergency proclamation LIHUE — A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Kaua'i County as of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. signed an emergency proclamation Tuesday, due to the potential of significant impacts to the island. "As Hurricane Lane moves nearer to Kaua'i, we continue to ask residents and visitors to remain vigilant and to monitor all weather updates," said Mayor Carvalho. A Hurricane Watch is typically issued 48 hours before the possible onset of hurricane conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Surf Warning for all south -facing shores of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, from 6 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Friday. The warning may be extended or modified as conditions develop. Beachgoers are urged to heed all posted warnings and advisories, and stay completely out of the water on all south -facing shores. Spectators are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline. Additionally, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Kaua'i through Friday night. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that leads to flash flooding. Residents and visitors should monitor the weather and be prepared to take action in the event that a Flash Flood Warning is issued. County officials continue to urge all residents and visitors to get prepared and stay informed. 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. • School Notifications —Visit the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) website, http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org, and social media, https://www.facebook.com/HiDOE808 and https:Htwitter.com/HIDOE808, for the latest information on possible school closures. Parents should make sure that their contact information on file with their child's school is up-to-date, and that they understand the school's closure notification procedure. • Visitor Information — Visitors are urged to confirm flight arrangements with their airlines prior to heading to the airport. Visitors should review the Hawaii Tourism Authority's travel safety tips at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. A copy of their brochure can also be downloaded from the site. • 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.ora 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. 0 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.