LIHU‘E — Utilities providers are reminding residents to finish up preparations for the currently expected impacts of Tropical Storm Douglas today.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and the county Department of Water remind residents that during a natural disaster, high winds and flooding could potentially damage water facilities and disrupt the power. That could impact water sources, resulting in water-service disruptions.
Unforeseen damage or scheduled waterline system improvements may also require water service to be turned off to conduct necessary work. Residents should be prepared by having the recommended amount of water stored in their emergency-preparedness kit to meet their needs until water service can be restored.
In the event of a power outage, be prepared by having a portable, battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries available. Protect your appliances and sensitive equipment from power outages and surges that may occur because of bad weather by using surge protectors. During a storm, turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances and equipment. When the power comes back on and is steady, gradually plug in appliances and equipment.
For those choosing to evacuate, it is recommended that residents turn off main breakers, located at the meter boxes outside the homes.
KIUC will not shut down power prior to a storm. However, during a high-wind event, power outages are likely to occur and may be prolonged.
“Our outage-management system allows us to identify and track outages in real time,” said KIUC’s Executive Manager of Operations, Brad Rockwell, adding that it’s not necessary to report outages via phone. Information regarding current outages can be accessed on KIUC’s Facebook page or via the outage map on the homepage of the KIUC website. Call 246-4300 for assistance if experiencing something unusual.
The storm intensity will dictate how KIUC responds to outages:
• For tropical-storm winds, repair crews will respond if it is safe to do so. Extended outages should be expected;
• For hurricane-force winds, KIUC will not respond to outages until the storm passes. Re-energization will follow emergency service priorities.
During high-wind events, objects coming in contact with overhead lines and electrical equipment can cause power interruptions. Sometimes during high winds power lines are knocked down. Lines from utility poles on the ground should be considered dangerous. Do not touch them. If someone is touching a line, don’t try to rescue them and risk becoming a victim. Get help immediately by calling 911.
Depending on the extent of damage sustained during the storm, outages could last days or longer. “Restoring power safely is always our top priority,” stated Rockwell. He added that before commencing repairs, crews must make sure that any potential safety hazards are eliminated or mitigated.
The public can help the cooperative’s restoration effort by not cutting or tampering with utility equipment such as poles and lines that may have been downed during the storm.
“We understand the need to create clear paths for vehicles as soon as possible after the storm,” said Rockwell. “However, power restoration could be delayed if our equipment needs to be replaced due to post-storm damage.”
KIUC will keep the public informed via news releases and on its Facebook and Twitter pages.
Hawai‘i Gas is working closely with emergency-management officials statewide to prepare for Hurricane Douglas. Crews are topping off gas supply at hospitals, first responders and other essential facilities. Propane-tank-refilling stations for 20 pounds are operational.
Gas customers should not turn off their gas, as gas can provide a means of heating water and cooking food during a power outage. Only customers who are directed by state or county emergency-management officials to evacuate should turn off their gas at the meter or tank. Customers must contact Hawai‘i Gas to turn on gas service after gas has been shut off.
The public can stay up to date by checking on Hawai‘i Gas activities through social media or by calling 245-3301.
I am a licensed Public Adjuster living on Kauai for the last 47 years. After Hurricane Iniki I worked with clients to get the best settlement from Insurance companies as possible. Here is what I have learned from the experience:
1. First and foremost take pictures of all your property prior to the storm arriving. Put them in a safe place.
2. Find your Insurance Policy and put it in a safe place.
3. Secure your property as best as possible.
4. Have medications in a safe place
5. Have food and water for 14 days in a safe place.
6. Secure your pets, their food and water
7. Stay away from low lying areas that tend to flood
8. Have a portable radio
9. If possible have some cash in case ATM machines are not working.
10. Read the guidelines the County/KIUC have been publishing
11. Lastly do not do anything stupid during the storm.
12. Flying debris during the storm is to be avoided. Stay inside.