Get Ready for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season runs from June 1 - November 30 every year. Don’t wait until a warning is given to begin making your plans. Have your survival kit ready. Know where emergency shelters are located. If you or a member of your family is receiving special medical treatment know what the procedures are for emergency conditions.

When a hurricane watch or warning is declared, listen to the radio for further instructions. Kauai’s Civil Defense station is KQNG, at 570 AM or 93.5 FM. (KUAI is at 720 AM; FM97 is at 96.9 FM). KIUC personnel will be in contact with all three stations and will broadcast special advisories about your power supply. Oceanic Time Warner also carries National Weather Service reports.
  • Know the history of high wave and storm surge, high winds, and heavy rains and flash flooding in your area.
  • Learn the location of officially designated civil defense shelters for your area.
  • Check the condition of emergency equipment, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios.
  • Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water is on hand to last for at least two weeks.
  • Prepare a survival kit for home use or to take to a shelter. Use the list in your telephone book as a guideline.
  • Be aware of the structural limitations of your home and reinforce your home against high winds.
  • Obtain and store materials such as plywood and plastic necessary to secure your home.
  • Check your home for loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall or bump against the house. When trimming, try to create a channel through the foliage to the center of the tree to allow for air flow.
  • Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
  • Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.
  • Individuals with special needs should plan ahead for their appropriate medical conditions.

    • Ultimately, everyone must take personal responsibility. Everyone should have an action plan in the event that a hurricane strikes the islands. Each member of the family should know who to contact and where to meet in the event of an emergency.

    For further information and assistance, contact the National Weather Service, the local civil defense agency, or the local American Red Cross chapter.

    Hurricane Survival Checklist
    • Trim trees around the home, especially those with weak limbs
    • Tighten loose gutters and roof tiles
    • Have window and door coverings (plywood or storm shutters) in good condition and ready to install if needed
    • Review insurance policies to be certain they are up-to-date, and have photo or video inventory of possessions
    • Know where all important documents are (insurance, wills, marriage licenses, etc.)
    • Be certain that your survival kit is complete
    • Make sure pets have some form of identification and are current on vaccinations
    • Have carrier for each pet and maintain at least a one-week supply of pet food, cat litter, special medications and other necessary supplies

    Survival Kit
    • Portable radio
    • Extra batteries
    • Flashlight(s) and candles
    • Manual can opener
    • First aid kit, special medications, and an extra pair of eyeglasses if you wear them
    • Five-day supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food, ice chest and blue-ice packs
    • Containers of water (minimum 2 qts per person per day)
    • Sleeping bags or blankets
    • Change of clothing for each family member
    • Matches or lighter
    • Camp stove, lantern and fuel
    • Masking tape for windows
    • Personal hygiene, sanitary supplies, diapers
    • Bleach
    • Plastic sheeting and garbage bags

    A Storm Glossary

    Hurricane - Hurricanes are intense, compact cyclones that form over warm, tropical waters.  They're like giant whirlwinds, with air moving in large, tightening spiral around a center of extreme low pressure.  They pack winds from 74-200 mph.  The storm affects the ocean surface and lower atmosphere over tens of thousands of square miles, causing strong winds, high surf, heavy rains, and tornadoes.

    Hurricane Watch - Hurricane force winds may occur within 36 hours

    Hurricane Warning - Dangerous conditions expected within 24 hours

    Tropical Depression - A storm with sustained winds of less than 39 mph

    Tropical Storm - A storm with sustained winds from 39 to 73 mph