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  • News Release - Noaa Central Pacific Hurricane Center Predicts Near Or Below Normal Hurricane Season For The State Of H Awai'i

News Release - NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts near or below normal hurricane season for the State of Hawai'i

NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts near or below normal hurricane season for the State of Hawai'i

HONOLULU -- In their annual joint press conference earlier today the NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) announced that there is an 80% chance of near or below normal tropical cyclone activity during the Central Pacific hurricane season this year which begins on Tuesday, June 1 and runs through Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.

CPHC added that this year's outlook calls for 2 to 5 tropical cyclones for the Central Pacific hurricane region. Tropical cyclones include tropical depressions, named storms and hurricanes.

"While no one can perfectly predict the future of the storms, this serves as a good reminder for the public that hurricane season begins June 1," said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. "We can always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst by having a 14-day disaster supply kit, creating a family plan, and making your home safer."

"As we enter another hurricane season, our community continues to face many challenges including COVID-19 and its health and economic impacts. We already have enough uncertainty as it is, so let's take some time to proactively prepare so we can increase our readiness and resilience as a community for whatever Mother Nature may send our way," said Hiro Toiya, director for the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management. "For hurricane season understanding how the triple threat of rain, wind, and storm surge can impact you is the first step as you think through what you need to do to protect yourself and your loved ones from. We also need to think about how to stay safe, healthy, and prevent injuries after a storm passes. They key is to prepare now rather than waiting until a storm is approaching."

The Department of Emergency Management encourages all residents to take the following actions at the start of the hurricane season.

Make a Shelter Plan

The onset of a disaster such as a hurricane or tropical storm can be confusing and chaotic. It is important to make as many decisions as possible ahead of time. Knowing your risks will help you decide now whether you will evacuate or shelter-in-place when a disaster strikes your area. Use the guidance on our website's Make a Plan page to create a family Emergency Shelter Plan for where you will stay during a hurricane.

Review Home or Renters Insurance Policies

Remember that homeowners' insurance alone will not cover hurricane damage. You will need separate policies for hurricane as well as flood insurance to protect against damage from coastal flooding. You can buy flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program. Make sure to check your plan and know what your existing insurance policies will or will not cover. In addition, remember that insurance policies may not be available to purchase or enhance when a tropical cyclone is approaching. Read My Insurance Doesn't Cover What? to understand your coverage.

Harden Your Home

DEM highly recommends taking measures to harden your home so that you can shelter-in-place with your family, pets and have easy access to your supplies. Consider home projects that will provide long-term protection against a hurricane. Ideas and instructions can be found in the Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards.

Just-in-Time Actions

• Be prepared to take just-in-time actions to protect yourself and your home as a storm approaches:

  • Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters.
  • Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
  • Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
  • Secure and brace exterior doors.
  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  • Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. Consider texting.
  • Prepare to evacuate if directed by local authorities.

Build or Update Your 14-Day Disaster Supply Kit

With Oahu's geographic isolation and large population, it could be as long as two weeks before local disaster relief efforts reach all of those who are affected.

Individuals, families and businesses should be prepared to be on their own for at least 14 days. Assemble basic supplies such as food, water, clothing and important medications for a 14-day kit. Also be sure to include cloth face coverings, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectant supplies to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. Visit our website to view the full list of recommended supplies.

Get Informed

Important official emergency information such as evacuation notifications and shelter locations will be broadcast over all TV and radio stations, as well as official social media accounts. Should your power go out during an emergency such as a hurricane, it is vitally important that each household have a battery-operated radio and spare batteries on hand to receive emergency information. Newer hand-crank generator or solar powered radios are also a good option.

Follow the Department of Emergency Management online for ongoing emergency and community information:

Twitter: @Oahu_DEM

Facebook: @OahuDEM

Additional preparedness information can be found on our website: www.honolulu.gov/DEM.

Emergency Email and Text Message Alerts:

Oahu residents are encouraged to sign-up to receive emergency email, cellphone text messages and push alerts from the City and County of Honolulu by downloading the free HNL.info app from the App Store or Google Play.

Non-English Speakers and People with Disabilities:

If you have a family member who does not speak English or a family member who, due to a disability, cannot receive emergency information readily, we highly recommend forming a core group of family or friends who can assist with translations or providing important emergency information as well as assisting with disaster preparedness actions and if needed.

Disaster preparedness resources for non-English speakers can be found here.

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