HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawai’i may face severe weather this weekend, prompting Hawaiian Electric (HECO) to brace for potential impacts on its services.
HECO warns that strong winds and flooding could damage power lines and cause outages.
In preparation for stormy weather, the electric company trains employees for rapid and safe emergency response, coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies, and secures mutual assistance agreements with out-of-state utilities for support if needed.
HECO advises customers to review their emergency plans, stock up on necessary supplies, and monitor storm’s progress closely.
For safety, HECO advises the following:
Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries.
If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go should the need for evacuation occurs. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you to the facility.
If you plan to use a ladder while preparing your home for the storm, note the location of power lines before you begin. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that you – and the ends of the tools you’re using – stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. Before lowering a TV antennae or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV.
If you plan to use a portable generator after the storm, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
Most counties will suspend trash and debris pickup before a storm. Please do not trim trees now, as high winds can turn cut branches into dangerous, flying debris. However, if you have already trimmed trees, please help to prevent outages by tying down or securing any of those loose branches or other debris.
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