HONOLULU (KHON2) — The weather is something right now. With a kona low approaching and the transition from El Nino to La Nina occurring over the summer, Hawaiʻi is in for some extra flooding.
So, KHON2.com decided to dig in and find out what we all need to do to prepare for the impending waters to come for homeowners, home renters and small business owners.
Preparing for intense flooding and rain in Hawaiʻi involves a combination of practical measures to protect your home and ensuring your safety.
Here are some of the most important things you should do to prepare.
Home preparation for homeowners
Inspect and clean gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water from overflowing and damaging your home’s foundation.
Check roof integrity: Inspect your roof for leaks or damage and make necessary repairs to prevent water from entering your home.
Seal cracks and gaps: Check for cracks in walls, windows, and doors, and seal them to prevent water from seeping in.
Install sump pump: Consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to remove excess water.
Elevate electrical appliances: Raise electrical appliances, heaters, and furnaces off the ground level to prevent damage from floodwater.
Use sandbags: Place sandbags around vulnerable areas such as doors and windows to help keep water out.
Create barriers: Install flood barriers or shields to protect doorways and low windows.
Waterproof basement: Apply waterproof sealant to basement walls and floors to minimize water damage.
Store valuables safely: Move valuable items and important documents to higher levels or waterproof containers.
Prepare for power outages: Have backup power sources, such as generators, and ensure they are functional.
Personal safety
Develop an emergency plan: Create a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.
Build an emergency kit: Assemble a kit with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources like the National Weather Service and local authorities.
Know your evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a plan in place for reaching higher ground quickly.
Sign up for alerts: Register for local emergency notification systems to receive timely updates.
Secure outdoor items: Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items that could be swept away or cause damage during heavy rain.
Practice safe driving: Avoid driving through flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot of water can sweep a vehicle away.
Learn how to shut off utilities: Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Check insurance coverage: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for flood damage.
Stay indoors during the storm: Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Floodwaters can be fast-moving and dangerous.
By taking these steps, you can better protect your home and ensure the safety of your family during periods of intense flooding and rain in Hawaiʻi.
Home preparation for apartment dwellers
Inspect and clean drainage areas: Ensure that any balconies or outdoor areas have clear drainage paths. Remove any debris that might block water flow.
Check windows and doors: Inspect the seals around windows and balcony doors. Apply weather stripping or sealant to prevent water from seeping in.
Elevate electrical devices: Move electrical devices, power strips, and important electronics off the floor to avoid damage from minor flooding.
Waterproof storage: Store important documents, valuables, and electronics in waterproof containers or bags to protect them from water damage.
Secure outdoor furniture: If you have a balcony, bring in any outdoor furniture, potted plants, or decorations that could be blown away or damaged by heavy rain and wind.
Sandbags for doors and windows: Use sandbags or flood barriers at the base of balcony doors and windows to prevent water intrusion.
Check for leaks: Regularly inspect ceilings and walls for any signs of leaks or water damage. Report any issues to your building management promptly.
Create barriers: If you live on a ground floor or lower level, consider placing flood barriers or shields in front of doors and windows to protect against flooding.
Prepare for power outages: Keep flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers handy. Consider battery-powered or solar lanterns for extended power outages.
Move valuables to higher ground: If you live in a multi-story building, move valuable items to higher floors to protect them from potential flooding.
Personal safety and community actions
Develop an emergency plan: Have a personal emergency plan, including communication strategies and evacuation routes. Know the location of emergency exits and higher ground in your building.
Build an emergency kit: Assemble a kit with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources like the National Weather Service and local authorities. Use apps and sign up for emergency notifications.
Know your building’s emergency plan: Familiarize yourself with your building’s emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and shelter locations.
Sign up for alerts: Register for local emergency notification systems to receive timely updates.
Communicate with neighbors: Coordinate with neighbors to check on each other, especially those who might need extra assistance, such as the elderly or disabled.
Practice safe driving: If you must drive during heavy rain, avoid flooded areas. Park your car in a safe location, preferably on higher ground or in a covered garage.
Learn how to shut off utilities: Know where the utility shutoff points are in your apartment and how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if necessary.
Check insurance coverage: Review your renter’s insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for flood damage.
Stay indoors during the storm: Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Floodwaters can be fast-moving and dangerous.
By taking these precautions, apartment dwellers can better protect their homes and ensure their safety during periods of intense flooding and rain in Hawaiʻi.
Physical premises preparation for small business owners
For small business owners in Hawaiʻi, preparing for intense flooding and rain involves safeguarding both the physical premises and ensuring business continuity. Here are some essential steps:
Inspect and clean gutters and drains: Ensure that all gutters, downspouts, and drains are clear of debris to prevent water buildup and potential flooding.
Check roof integrity: Inspect the roof for leaks or damage. Repair any issues to prevent water from entering the building.
Seal cracks and openings: Inspect and seal any cracks in walls, windows, and doors to prevent water seepage.
Install flood barriers: Use flood barriers or sandbags to protect doorways, windows, and other entry points from floodwater.
Elevate electrical equipment: Raise electrical equipment, servers, and critical machinery off the floor to protect them from potential water damage.
Waterproof important documents: Store important documents, records, and equipment in waterproof containers or offsite storage.
Secure outdoor items: Bring in outdoor furniture, signs, and equipment that could be damaged or become hazardous in high winds and heavy rain.
Backup power: Invest in a generator or backup power supply to keep essential systems running during power outages.
Check for proper drainage: Ensure that the surrounding area of your business has adequate drainage to direct water away from the building.
Maintain sump pumps: If your business has a basement or low-lying areas, ensure sump pumps are working and have battery backups.
Business continuity and safety
Develop an emergency plan: Create a comprehensive emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and roles for employees.
Assemble emergency kits: Prepare emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials for employees.
Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources like the National Weather Service and local authorities.
Sign up for alerts: Register for local emergency notification systems to receive timely updates.
Backup business data: Regularly back up important business data and store copies offsite or in the cloud.
Review insurance coverage: Ensure your business insurance policy covers flood damage. Consider additional flood insurance if necessary.
Communicate with employees: Keep employees informed about emergency procedures and ensure they know how to respond during a flood.
Protect inventory: Move valuable inventory to higher ground or shelves to protect it from water damage.
Plan for continuity: Develop a business continuity plan that includes strategies for maintaining operations or quickly resuming business after a flood.
Establish vendor communication: Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to understand their emergency procedures and how they can support your business during disruptions.
By implementing these measures, small business owners can better protect their property and ensure the safety of their employees and customers during intense flooding and rain in Hawaiʻi.
Remember that these are not meant to be comprehensive lists since we cannot account for the nuances of each situation. So, be sure to develop your own comprehensive list of yourself, your family and your business.