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Hurricane & Emergency Preparedness

Red Cross Recommends Having the Following Supplies on Hand

  • Water: At least a 7–10 day supply; one gallon per person per day.

  • Food: At least a 7–10 day supply of non‐perishable, easy‐to‐prepare items.

  • Battery‐powered radio (know the local stations for your area)
    (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

  • First aid kit

  • Four-week supply of prescription medicines

  • Seven-day supply of non‐perishable food

  • Non‐perishable special dietary foods

  • Ice chest

  • Water

  • Candles

  • Matches

  • Fuel for stoves, hibachis, or lanterns

  • Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, or air mattresses

  • Flashlights, batteries, and extra bulbs

  • Extra clothing, eyeglasses

  • Masking tape for windows and glass doors

  • Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

  • Special items for infants, elderly, or family members with special needs

  • Quiet games, books, playing cards, and favorite toys for children

  • Important papers including driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies, and written or videotaped property inventories

  • Medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)

  • Multi‐purpose tool

  • Insect repellent and sunscreens

  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

  • Rain gear

How to Prepare for a Storm & Hurricane

In their Hurricane safety checklist, the Red Cross advises:

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service.

  • If your area is told to evacuate, evacuate.

  • Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.

  • Fill your car’s gas tank.

  • Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep closed as much as possible so food lasts longer if the power goes out.

  • Bring any outdoor furniture inside.

  • Close your windows, doors, and hurricane shutters.

  • Board up all windows and doors with plywood.

  • Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home (e.g., bikes, grills, propane tanks, building materials). Move these items inside or under shelter.

  • Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch your power off.

  • Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.

  • Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. At the very least, have an emergency “go bag” ready.

Safety Tips for Pets

The National Humane Society also put together a disaster plan for your pets:

  • Make sure that cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags that are up to date.

  • Put your cell phone number on your pet’s tag (or a relative/friend’s number in case you need to evacuate).

  • Find a safe place to stay ahead of time.

  • Never assume you will be allowed to bring your pet to an emergency shelter—check with local officials in advance to find out about pet-friendly shelters.

  • Consider a kennel or veterinarian’s office, or contact hotels and motels that accept pets.

  • Bring your pet with you if you evacuate.

  • Stock enough food and water for each pet for at least seven days. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s medications and a sturdy leash or carrier, plus whatever is needed for restroom visits.

Maui Humane Society
Phone: (808) 877-3680
Website: https://www.mauihumanesociety.org

Helpful Websites

In an emergency, dial 911.

Emergency Preparedness Information

Below contains useful emergency information and valuable preparedness tips:

Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings Definition

Watches
An announcement that tropical storm/hurricane conditions are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Procedures When a Watch Is Issued:

  • Fuel family vehicles.

  • Store and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and other loose lightweight items (toys, garden tools, garbage cans).

  • Prepare to cover all window and door openings with boards, shutters, or other shielding materials.

  • Check food and water supplies.

  • Have clean, air‐tight containers on hand to store at least two weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person), and stock up on canned provisions.

  • Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.

  • Check prescription medicines—obtain at least 10 days to two weeks’ supply.

  • Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.

  • Check and replenish first‐aid supplies.

  • Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

Warnings
An announcement that tropical storm/hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Procedures When a Warning Is Issued:

  • Follow instructions issued by civil defense.

  • Leave immediately if ordered to do so.

  • Complete preparation activities, such as boarding up windows and storing loose objects.

  • Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks.

  • Turn up your refrigerator to maximum cold and don’t open unless necessary.

  • Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding.

  • If evacuating, leave early and leave food and water for pets (shelters will not take them). Find a shelter that will allow pets; plan ahead of time.

  • Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

  • Use phone only for emergencies.

During the Storm

Overview
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. This includes developing a personal preparation plan and an emergency survival kit.

Procedures During a Hurricane or Tropical Storm:

  • Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered.

  • Close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible.

  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, hallway, or basement, if available.

  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

  • Some protection is afforded by covering with a mattress during the height of the storm.

  • If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time—but remain indoors. As soon as the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction; stay calm.

  • It may take several hours for the storm to pass.

Maui County Shelters

This list was designated before the Lahaina fires—check local TV and radio for open shelters.

Central Maui – Kahului/Wailuku/Waihe’e

  • H.P. Baldwin High School – 1650 Kaahumanu Ave, Wailuku (PF)(SN)

  • Iao Intermediate School – 1910 Kaohu Street, Wailuku (SN)

  • Kahului Elementary – 410 South Hina Ave, Kahului (SN)

  • Lihikai Elementary School – 335 S. Papa Avenue, Kahului (SN)

  • Maui Community College – 310 W. Ka‘ahumanu Avenue, Kahului

  • Maui High School – 660 Lono Ave, Kahului (PF)(SN)

  • Maui Waena Intermediate School – 795 Onehee Street, Kahului (PF)(SN)

  • Waihe‘e Elementary School – 2125 Kahekili Highway, Wailuku (SN)

  • Wailuku Elementary School – 355 South High Street, Wailuku (SN)

South Maui – Kihei/Makena

  • Kamali‘i Elementary School – 180 Alanui Ke Ali‘i, Kihei (SN)

  • Kihei Elementary School – 250 E. Lipoa Street, Kihei (SN)

  • Lokelani Intermediate School – 1401 Liloa Drive, Kihei (PF)(SN)

West Maui – Lahaina

  • Lahainaluna High School – 980 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina (SN)

  • Lahaina Civic Center – 1840 Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Lahaina

Upcountry Maui

  • Kalama Intermediate School – 120 Makani Road, Makawao (PF)(SN)

  • King Kekaulike High School – 121 Kula Highway, Pukalani (PF)(SN)

  • Makawao Elementary School – 3542 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao (SN)

  • Pukalani Elementary School – 2945 Iolani Street, Pukalani (SN)

  • Ha‘ikū Elementary – 105 Pauwela Road, Ha‘ikū

  • Pā‘ia Elementary – 955 Baldwin Avenue, Pā‘ia

East Maui – Hāna

  • Hāna High & Elementary School – 4111 Wakiu Hana Highway, Hāna

Moloka‘i

  • Kualapu‘u Elementary School – 260 Farrington Highway, Kaunakākai

  • Moloka‘i High & Intermediate School – 2140 Farrington Avenue, Kaunakākai (SN)

  • Kaunakākai Elementary – 30 Ailoa Street, Kaunakākai

  • Kilohana Elementary – 7253 Kamehameha V Highway, Kaunakākai

Lāna‘i

  • Lāna‘i High & Elementary School – 555 Fraser Avenue, Lāna‘i City (SN)

Electronics

  • Charge all devices.

  • Pack an external charger and/or solar charger in your emergency kit.

Keep Your Important Documents Safe from a Disaster

  • Property Records: Real estate deeds of trust and mortgage documents (at least the two-page settlement statement showing actual cost of the house and purchase expenses); rental agreement or lease; auto/boat/RV registration and titles; video, photos, or a list of household inventory; insurance policy contact info. (Document all high-end items; a video inventory works well.)

  • Medical Information: Immunization and other medical records, prescription information (drug name and dosage), health insurance identification cards, physician names and phone numbers, powers-of-attorney for healthcare, and living wills.

  • Estate Planning Documents: Wills, trusts, powers-of-attorney, attorney names and phone numbers.

  • Financial Records: First two pages of your previous year’s federal and state tax returns, stock and bond certificates, investment records, brokerage and retirement account information, credit card, checking and savings account numbers, contact information for credit unions, banks, financial institutions, credit card companies, and financial advisers. (Copy all your credit cards—front and back.)

  • Other: Personal address book; a letter with instructions for friends/family (for use if you’re not present); backups of important computer files; a list of usernames and passwords for online accounts; a key to your safe deposit box; a recent photograph; fingerprints and dental records for each household member (some police stations and nonprofits fingerprint children free); account and contact information for utilities and other services (you may need to provide a new billing address or cancel services); a list of important documents and where originals and copies are located. In addition, think now about priceless personal items you’d want to protect or take if you must evacuate.

Additional Emergency Supplies

  • A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each family member.

  • Sleeping bags, bedding, or blankets for each family member.

  • An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (check expiration dates).

  • Document holder with identification, credit cards/traveler’s checks/cash, and photocopies of important family documents, including home insurance information.

  • Non‐prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti‐diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives.

  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.

  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes.

  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water.

  • Fire extinguisher.

  • Matches in a waterproof container.

  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils.

  • Paper and pencil.

  • Shovel.

  • Hammer and nails.

  • Multi‐tool with pliers.

  • 4 in 1 Emergency Tool (with gas and water shut-off).

  • Reflective vests.

  • Work gloves.

  • Eye goggles.

  • Utility tape; electrical tape.

  • Clean-up supplies.

  • Broom and mop.

  • Buckets (5 gal. minimum, with lids).

  • N-95 particulate masks.

  • Disinfecting spray.

  • Rags (for cleaning).

  • Rubber gloves, scrub brush, sponges.

  • Garbage bags with ties.

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed. Set a calendar reminder every six months—around daylight-savings time—to:

  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
    More info: Ready.gov – Food

  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.

  • Replace expired items as needed.

  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Supply Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicle:

  • Home: Keep this kit in a designated place so it’s ready if you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.

  • Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water, and other necessities like medicines, plus comfortable walking shoes, all stored in a “grab-and-go” case.

  • Vehicle: Severe weather can strike quickly and strand motorists. The best preparation for severe winter weather—including strong winds and heavy rain—requires planning ahead. Almost everyone carries a cell phone—keep it charged. At minimum, keep a blanket, radio, flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and a three- to seven-day supply of food and water in your vehicle. Don’t forget to tell friends or relatives that you’re traveling, which route you’re taking, and when you expect to arrive. This information could save your life if you get stranded. In case you are stranded, keep an emergency supplies kit in your car.
    More info: Ready.gov – Car Preparedness

Prepared by:
Kathleen Tezak
Island Sotheby’s International Realty
Broker-20767
Phone: (808) 385-6564
Email: ktezak001@gmail.com

 

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