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Hawaiian Electric urges backup power plans as hurricane season begins

The Maui News

Shutting off power during an evacuation and making backup plans for electrically powered medical equipment are some of the tips Hawaiian Electric is offering as hurricane season begins this month and runs through Nov. 30.

The company advised customers to be prepared and have emergency plans in place with weather forecasters predicting near-to-above-normal tropical cyclone activity in the Central Pacific.

Hawaiian Electric crews work year-round to make the company’s five island grids more resilient in the face of natural disasters and other events, the company said. In 2022, the utility spent $17 million to clear trees and vegetation from around power lines and equipment, resulting in fewer and briefer outages during storms.

On Maui, Molokai and Lanai, Hawaiian Electric has replaced more than 330 poles. It’s also inspected, maintained and pruned vegetation on more than 415 miles of overhead power lines throughout Maui County to prevent limbs and vines from growing into power lines or contacting them during high winds. The company also installed more than 120 grid-protecting devices throughout the county to help prevent outages and limit service interruptions to a smaller number of customers.

In preparation for possible storms and power outages, the company said residents should consider:

• Gathering emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns and batteries. Be prepared to monitor communications over emergency broadcast radio stations.

• Storing enough water, nonperishable food, medicine and personal hygiene supplies for family members and pets to last at least 14 days.

• Turning off and unplugging all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or power outage. When power comes back on and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.

• Shutting off electricity at the main breaker or switch if you need to evacuate.

• Having a backup generator if you are dependent on an electrically powered life support system. Or, make plans to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. Be prepared to take your medical equipment and medications with you.

• Learning how to properly operate backup generators to avoid causing damage or injury in businesses or homes that are equipped with the devices.

• Preparing a list of emergency contacts, including phone number for insurance agents, vendors, physicians or any other important individuals.

• Staying at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths) away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized and dangerous.

For more information on preparing for hurricane season and locations of emergency preparedness handbooks on each island, visit hawaiianelectric.com/prepare.

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