Hawaiʻi County Urges Storm Preparedness as Hurricane Kiko Approaches
Hawaiʻi County Urges Storm Preparedness as Hurricane Kiko Approaches
With officials monitoring Hurricane Kiko as it approaches the islands, the County of Hawai‘i urges residents and visitors to prepare for possible storm impacts and plan how they will respond if necessary.
“September is in the heart of hurricane season, and even a near-miss storm can bring serious damage, injuries or loss of life,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “It’s not clear yet what Kiko will bring our way, but we know the best way to reduce risk is to be prepared and make a plan to stay safe.”
Kiko was a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph as of 11 a.m. HST Friday. It was located 1,195 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest at near 10 mph. Kiko’s track is projected to take it northeast of Hawaiʻi Island as it weakens to a tropical storm early next week, but even small shifts in its path could cause significant changes in its impact to the island and the rest of Hawai‘i.
Hawaiʻi Island could see storm-driven high surf starting as early as Sunday, and strong winds and heavy rain starting as early as Monday morning.
“Depending on Kiko’s exact path it could bring flooding rains, dangerous waves and rip currents, and damaging winds,” said Talmadge Magno, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator. “Now is the time to check your preparations, review your plans and make sure you can receive emergency messages.”
Here are steps you can take before a storm arrives:
• Review your emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows routes to leave if an evacuation is needed and where you are going to shelter.
• Check your “go bag.” Make sure you have three days of food, water, medication, and other necessities for each member of your family (including pets). Include a flashlight, battery-powered radio, copies of important documents, and other items you may need.
• Set a meeting place in case you are separated. Set up a point of contact off-island who can pass along messages if local communications are disrupted.
• Make sure your vehicle’s fuel tank is at least half-full.
• Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that may block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.
• Monitor trusted local media for the latest developments.
• Sign up for emergency alert messages on the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense website at: bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.
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