Hurricane Season is Almost Here—Make Sure You're Ready

Hurricane season in Hawaii is almost here, but don't wait for an imminent threat to prepare.

The central Pacific hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Despite predicted below-normal activity, now's the time to plan. Follow these precautions now to ensure the safety of your family and home in the event of a hurricane.

Stock your disaster kit

Assemble a disaster kit and keep it somewhere easy to access. Your disaster supply kit should include the following items, enough for at least 14 days:

Water: 1 gallon of water person, per day

Nonperishable food, including:

• Canned soups and vegetables
• Dried fruits and jerkies
• Crackers and peanut butter
• Granola bars

Food prep, including:

• Plates
• Utensils
• Napkins and paper towels
• Manual can opener
• Portable cooking appliances
• Ice chest and blue ice bags
• Plastic storage bags and containers for food

Clothing items:

• Warm clothing
• Waterproof hooded jackets
• Undergarments and warm socks
• Comfortable shirts, pants and shorts
• Shoes and slippers

Other essential items:

• Cell phone, iPad, laptop and chargers
• Flashlights and extra light bulbs
• Portable radio
• Batteries in commonly used sizes
• Multipurpose tools
• Blankets
• Air mattresses
• Pillows
• Sleeping bags
• Trash bags
• Cash in small denominations in waterproof bags
• Matches and lighters
• Duct tape or masking tape
• Reading and writing materials
• Whistle

Personal hygiene items:

• Toilet paper in waterproof bags 
• Facial tissues 
• Feminine hygiene products
• Laundry bags and soap 
• Hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant 
• Brush and comb 
• Special items for infants, elderly, and people with special needs

Medical needs:

• First aid kit 
• Water purification kit 
• Prescription medicines 
• Face masks 
• Eyeglasses 
• Insect repellent 

Children's items:

• Child-safe sanitation and hygiene items
• Formula and food
• Diapers and wipes
• Clothing
• Blanket and bedding
• Quiet games and toys

Pet care:

• Portable pet carrier
• Leash and harness
• Identification tags
• Food, water and bowls
• Waste bags and wet wipes

Important documents:

• Copies of passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, deed to home, vehicle registration, insurance policies and inventories
• Copies of family photos and pet photos in case anyone gets separated
• List of emergency contacts
• Waterproof, sealable document holders
• Flash drive with important documents

Prepare your home and yard

In addition to stocking your disaster supply kit, you’ll also want to take the following precautions to protect your home and belongings: 

• Trim dead or weak tree branches 
• Consider covering windows and doors with treated plywood, and using hurricane clips and straps to secure roof 
• Secure lawn furniture, trash cans and other outside objects 
• Ensure windows are shut tightly
• Clean gutters 

For information on appropriate preparations, visit ready.gov.

Other useful links:

• NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center
• Hawaii State Civil Defense Preparation Plan
• Hawaii Hurricane Evacuation Shelter Map

Stay safe this hurricane season!