Hurricane Fausto Approaches Hawaii: Officials Warn Residents to Prepare Before Conditions Worsen

Preparing for Hurricane Fausto: Essential Steps for Residents

As Hurricane Fausto approaches the Hawaiian Islands, officials are urging residents to take proactive measures to ensure their safety. The current forecast indicates that the storm will pass just north of the islands on Tuesday into Wednesday, where it is expected to weaken to a tropical storm or even a remnant low. While the intensity of the storm may decrease, the potential for disruptions remains significant.

Key Forecast Details

Residents should stay informed about the latest weather updates and conditions related to Hurricane Fausto. Although the storm is expected to lose strength, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for any changes in the forecast. Monitoring updates from local authorities and weather services will help individuals make informed decisions during this time.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

To ensure readiness, consider the following steps:

• Review or update your family’s emergency plan, including how to shelter at home or move to a safe shelter before a storm arrives.
• Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, such as food, water, medications, and essential items that can last at least 14 days.
• Secure important documents and familiarize yourself with your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
• Inspect your home by trimming vegetation that could be damaged by wind and clearing debris that might block drainage areas.
• Check conditions before hiking or visiting rivers or beaches to avoid potential hazards.

Power Outage Safety Measures

Hawaiian Electric and the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative have issued warnings regarding possible power outages and electrical hazards due to Hurricane Fausto. To mitigate risks, residents should:

• Use surge protectors to safeguard appliances and equipment.
• Turn off and unplug unnecessary appliances or equipment.
• Check flashlights, generators, radios, and lanterns, and stock extra batteries.
• If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, confirm backup plans and evacuation options; bring equipment and medications if you go to a shelter or hospital.
• Before using ladders, identify power lines and maintain a distance of at least 10 feet; unplug TVs before lowering antennas/dishes.
• Use portable generators outside in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911 immediately.

Contact Information for Utility Providers

For assistance and updates, residents can contact the following utility providers:

Hawaiian Electric
* Website: hawaiianelectric.com
* Oahu outage map
* Maui outage Map
* Hawaii Island outage map
* Oahu: (808) 548-7311 (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday)
* Maui: (808) 871-9777 (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday)
* Molokai and Lanai: (808) 871-8461 (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday)
* Hilo: (808) 969-6999 (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday)
* Kona: (808) 329-3584 (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday)
* Waimea: (808) 885-4605 (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday)

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
* Call (808) 246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.
* Outage map
* Phone: 808.246.4300 (24 hours)
* Email: info@kiuc.coop
* Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

County-Specific Resources

Each county offers specific resources for emergency preparedness:

Honolulu
* Sign up for HNL Alert emergency notifications at hnlalert.gov or by texting HNLALERT to 888777.

Kauaʻi
* Sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, at www.kauai.gov/kema.
* For up-to-date Kauaʻi ocean conditions, visit safebeachday.com or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

Hawaiʻi County
* Sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.