HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hurricane season has arrived in Hawaiʻi. So, it’s time to get your emergency kit ready.
Building your kit is not just a task. It’s a lifeline. The National Weather Service that’s it’s important not to wait until a storm is imminent. The sooner you prepare, the safer you’ll be when a storm comes.
Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you.
When a hurricane is coming, you do not want to guess what you need. You want to know. The State of Hawaiʻi’s guide to hurricane preparedness said each person needs to have enough supplies to last at least 14 days.
That means food, water, medicine, power, light and more.
1. Food and water
The guide said, “Each person needs one gallon of water per day.” That includes drinking and basic washing. Multiply that by 14 days per person. Keep water in sealed containers, and store it in a cool, dry place.
You also need food that will not spoil. Canned meats, fruits and vegetables are good options. Add granola bars, crackers and nut butters. Don’t forget that you’ll need a manual can opener.
If you have a baby, pack formula and baby food. Pets need their own food and water, too.
2. Health and first aid
You need a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, tweezers and gloves. And like water and food, you will need to have prescription medicine for 14 days.
Keep extra glasses or contacts and cleaning solution. Add soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and feminine products. You will also need to include sunscreen and insect repellent as part of the kit.
3. Power and communication
Cell phone service and internet may not be available after a storm. Be sure to have alternative ways to obtain information and communicate. There are HAM radios as well as short wave radios and walkie talkies that can be utilized.
Look for a NOAA weather radio. Keep portable phone chargers, particularly solar chargers.
You will need lights, especially when it’s dark. Pack flashlights and camping lamps with extra batteries. A crank-powered flashlight and radio is a smart backup.
4. Documents and money
Make copies of your ID, insurance papers and health records. Seal them in a waterproof bag. Keep emergency phone numbers on paper.
Be sure to have some way of purchasing things you may need. Cash is king in disaster situations since credit card machines and ATMs may be down. It’s important to have small bills of cash ready.
5. Clothing and shelter
Pack a supply of extra clothing suitable for various weather conditions. Include lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes for heat and humidity, as well as long-sleeved shirts and pants for added protection against mosquitoes and debris.
Don’t forget a waterproof jackets or ponchos, as heavy rain is likely. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots are essential for walking through debris-strewn or flooded areas.
Pack a blanket or sleeping bag for each family member. Emergency thermal blankets (space blankets) are compact and retain body heat in cold conditions.
If space allows, consider a small, collapsible tent for additional protection or privacy if you must evacuate to a communal shelter or outdoor area.
6. Toiletries and sanitation
Pack basic enough toiletries such as toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products for each person for 14 days. Include moist wipes or baby wipes for cleaning when water is scarce. Hand sanitizer is a must for disinfecting hands without running water.
Garbage bags and twist or zip ties serve multiple purposes: for waste disposal, as makeshift rain covers or even for insulation. Consider adding disposable gloves for handling trash or contaminated items.
A bucket with a tight-fitting lid can function as an emergency toilet. For improved sanitation, line it with a trash bag and add absorbent material like kitty litter or sawdust. Pack air freshener or disinfectant spray to manage odor.
Also consider adding a small shovel or trowel for digging waste pits if necessary, especially in remote areas without access to functioning restrooms.
7. For children and kūpuna
For infants and toddlers, pack plenty of diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food and clean bottles. Don’t forget items that provide comfort and reduce stress, like a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier.
For kūpuna, prepare a supply of medications for 14 days, along with a printed list of prescriptions, dosages and medical conditions. Include any special medical equipment they rely on such as walkers, blood pressure monitors, or CPAP machines and ensure you have spare batteries or a backup power source for devices like hearing aids or oxygen machines.
8. For pets
Pack at least a week’s supply of pet food and water along with collapsible bowls for feeding and hydration. Bring a sturdy leash, harness or carrier to ensure safe transport and control, especially in crowded or stressful environments.
Include any necessary medications; flea or tick treatments; and a copy of your pet’s medical records, including vaccination history since these may be required if you need to stay in a shelter or with others. Pack waste bags, litter or puppy pads for sanitation.
Keep a recent photo of you with your pet, along with identifying information such as microchip number or ID tags. Also consider packing a favorite toy or blanket to reduce anxiety.
You can click here to read Hawaiʻi’s hurricane preparedness guide in full.
Every family in Hawaiʻi needs to prepare ahead. So, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family in case the big one finally hits.