HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hurricane preparedness in Hawaiʻi becomes particularly crucial as El Niño transitions into La Niña.
These climate phenomena have significant impacts on weather patterns, affecting the likelihood and severity of hurricanes in the region.
So, KHON2.com decided to dig a bit and gather the information you'll need to prepare for a wet hurricane season.
Understanding El Niño and La Niña
- El Niño: Characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. During El Niño periods, Hawaiʻi tends to experience fewer hurricanes because the wind patterns in the Pacific Ocean are less favorable for storm formation.
- La Niña: Characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. During La Niña periods, the conditions in the Pacific Ocean become more conducive to hurricane development, potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of storms affecting Hawaiʻi.
As Hawaiʻi transitions from El Niño to La Niña, the need for thorough hurricane preparedness is heightened. Here are key steps and considerations for hurricane preparedness in Hawaiʻi:
Stay informed
- Weather alerts: Regularly monitor weather forecasts and alerts from trusted sources such as the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
- Hurricane season: Be aware that hurricane season in the Central Pacific typically runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity usually occurring from July to September.
Create an emergency plan
- Family plan: Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies.
- Emergency contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, hospitals, and family members.
Prepare an emergency kit
- Essentials: Stock up on non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person per day for seven days), medications, and first aid supplies.
- Tools and supplies: Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, a multi-tool, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Personal items: Pack important documents (identification, insurance papers, etc.), cash, and personal hygiene items.
Secure your home
- Windows and doors: Install storm shutters or use plywood to protect windows and reinforce doors.
- Roof and gutters: Ensure the roof is in good condition and gutters are clear of debris to prevent flooding.
- Outdoor Items: Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, decorations, and any other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
Understand evacuation procedures
- Evacuation zones: Know your evacuation zone and the routes you would take if an evacuation order is issued.
- Shelters: Identify the nearest hurricane shelters and know the policies for pets and special needs individuals.
Insurance and documentation
- Review policies: Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to ensure it covers hurricane damage.
- Document assets: Take photos or videos of your property and valuable items for insurance purposes.
Stay connected
- Communication plan: Have a plan for staying in touch with family members, especially if the power goes out.
- Backup power: Consider having a generator or portable chargers for essential electronics.
Community preparedness
- Neighborhood plan: Work with neighbors to share resources and support each other, especially vulnerable individuals.
- Community alerts: Sign up for community alert systems to receive timely information about evacuations and emergency services.
Post-storm safety
- Stay indoors: Remain indoors until authorities declare it safe to go outside.
- Avoid floodwaters: Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, which can be contaminated or conceal hazards.
- Check for damage: Carefully inspect your home for damage and report any issues to your insurance company promptly.
Communication capabilities
Ham Radios
- Licensing: Amateur radio operators, or "hams," should ensure they have the appropriate licenses and that their equipment is in good working condition.
- Equipment: Have a reliable ham radio with backup batteries or a generator. Portable and hand-crank models are useful in case of power outages.
- Networks: Participate in local ham radio networks and emergency communication groups. These networks often provide critical information during emergencies and can assist in relaying messages when other communication methods fail.
- Training: Regularly practice using your ham radio and familiarize yourself with emergency frequencies and protocols. Many communities hold drills and training sessions.
Other communication methods:
- Cell Pphones: Keep cell phones charged and have portable chargers on hand. Consider using text messaging or social media to communicate, as they can often get through when voice calls cannot.
- Two-way radios: Family members can use two-way radios for short-range communication if cell networks are down.
- Emergency alerts: Sign up for emergency alert systems that send notifications via text, email, or voice call.
Outdoor activities
Surfing
- Weather conditions: Always check the weather forecast and surf conditions before heading out. During hurricane season, conditions can change rapidly, and storms can generate large, dangerous swells.
- Rip currents: Be aware of rip currents, which can be stronger and more frequent during stormy weather. Learn how to identify and escape rip currents.
- Local advice: Follow advice from local authorities and lifeguards. If beaches are closed or flagged as dangerous, do not enter the water.
Hiking
- Trail conditions: Heavy rains from hurricanes can make trails slippery and prone to landslides. Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
- Flash floods: Be cautious of flash floods, especially in canyons and near streams. Avoid hiking in these areas during or immediately after heavy rains.
- Emergency kit: Carry an emergency kit that includes water, snacks, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a map or GPS device. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and consider bringing a portable charger.
- Stay informed: Inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time. If possible, hike with a partner and stay on marked trails.
General outdoor safety tips
- Early preparation: Prepare well in advance of the hurricane season. Know the risks and have a plan for quick evacuation if necessary.
- Stay updated: Keep up-to-date with the latest weather reports and advisories. Use apps or weather radios to receive real-time updates.
- Evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and safe areas, both in urban settings and while engaging in outdoor activities.
- Emergency contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, park services, and nearby friends or family.
While there is no guarantee of safety, by following these steps and staying vigilant, residents of Hawaiʻi can better protect themselves and their property during the transition from El Niño to La Niña, a period that can bring increased hurricane activity.