HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hurricane season brings powerful storms that can cut off electricity, cell towers and internet service across Hawaiʻi.
While stocking food, water and medical supplies is important, planning how to communicate is just as critical.
Losing touch with family or emergency services during a hurricane can cause confusion, delay rescue and add stress when every minute matters.
So, KHON2.com did a bit of digging to find out what you need to do to stay in communication.
Make a communication plan
Choose one family member or friend outside the affected area to act as a central contact. Everyone needs to check in with that person to share updates.
Select a few backup contacts in case the main contact is not available. Decide on a safe meeting place outside the impact zone in case your home becomes unsafe or damaged.
Sign up for local emergency alerts through official government sources. Download weather apps that can provide real-time warnings. Charge all devices fully before the storm and keep portable power banks ready.
Use multiple tools
Do not rely on only one device. Cell phones may lose service when towers fail. A satellite phone can be a strong backup in remote places.
Two-way radios like FRS or GMRS work well for short-range updates if cell service is down. Test them before the storm.
Ham radios (amateur radios) are valuable for long-range communication, especially when other systems fail. Many operators also assist with emergency response networks.
Social media platforms can be useful for sharing updates or checking on neighbors, but they may become overloaded.
Text messages use less bandwidth than calls and often go through when service is weak. Email works if internet access is available.
Safety comes first. Stay indoors and away from windows and only call emergency services if you are in immediate danger. Conserve device batteries by turning off non-essential apps and use text messages instead of voice calls to save power.
If you are in a community shelter, use their charging stations and communication resources when possible. Keep monitoring official alerts for updates on the storm’s progress.
Communication as survival
When conditions improve, check in with your designated contact and update friends or family on your status. Report damage to your home to local authorities and your insurance company.
If you need food, water or medical help, reach out to local emergency management agencies or relief organizations.
Keep monitoring alerts and news reports for recovery updates, and continue to conserve battery life until power is restored.
Strong communication planning is more than convenience. It can save lives.
By setting up contacts, charging devices and using different tools, you increase the chance of staying connected when the storm strikes. Review your plan often and keep it current.
Click here for more information from FEMA and the FCC.
Staying prepared ensures you and your loved ones can endure the storm and recover more quickly afterward.