Prepare now for hurricanes
Posted on Jun 26, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured
A hurricane wind scale from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Hawai’i was lucky to have escaped the worst of Hurricane Douglas, but officials are reminding everyone that the busiest part of the hurricane season — August and September – still lies ahead. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared.
With the added concerns of COVID-19, residents are urged to prepare now for the 2020 hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge, potential flooding, and landslides to the islands,” said Governor Ige. “There could be significant impacts, even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. Make an emergency plan, talk with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient.”
HI-EMA administrator Luke Meyers
The National Weather Service is predicting an “average” storm potential for this year—2 to 6 tropical cyclones. “From an emergency management perspective, these look like good odds, but all it takes is just one storm to bring disaster to our islands,” said Luke P. Meyers, administrator of the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). “Due to the risks posed by the pandemic, we are adding hand sanitizers and face masks to our recommended 14-day emergency kit.” Meyers, a UH graduate with a degree in geography with a climate emphasis, was appointed in March as HI-EMA’s new administrator. His experience includes several years in emergency management at the federal, state and local levels, both in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Northwest. For more information on hurricane preparedness, go to https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/