Maui Electric Company geared up for hurricane season, urges customers to prepare.

Maui Electric has been working to build more resilient island grids ahead of the 2019 Central Pacific hurricane season, which began June 1.

Some examples of the company’s ongoing resilience work include:

  • Continued upgrades of utility poles rated to withstand higher wind gusts.
  • Pilot installation of insulated power lines to reduce outages caused by falling trees and branches in areas of Upcountry Maui and East Moloka‘i.
  • Planned installation of Trip-Savers, a new device on power lines that helps isolate and protect the electrical system during outages, in parts of Upcountry Maui.

Forecasts say up to eight tropical cyclones could develop this season, underscoring the need for customers to have emergency plans in place. Residents can refer to the company’s Handbook for Emergency Preparedness available at https://www.mauielectric.com/prepare.

In developing their own emergency plans, residents should consider these tips:

  • Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and batteries. Be prepared to monitor storm-related communications issued over emergency broadcast radio stations.
  • Store enough water, non-perishable food, medicine, and personal hygiene supplies for your family members and pets to last at least 14 days.
  • Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or a power outage. When power comes back and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.
  • Shut off your electricity at the main breaker or switch if you need to evacuate.
  • Consider 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.
  • If your business or residence is equipped with a backup generator, learn how to properly operate the device to avoid causing damage or injury.
  • Prepare a list of emergency contacts that includes phone numbers for insurance agents, vendors, physicians or any other important individuals.
  • If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more.
  • For power outage updates, follow Maui Electric on Twitter @MauiElectric or sign up for text or email notifications at www.mauielectric.com.

Available from the state include the “Take 10” guide for putting together an emergency kit, the “Plan To Be Ready” booklet to help families plan for emergencies and a children’s activity book that explains emergency preparedness to keiki.

Department of Health advises residents and visitors to know how to protect themselves before, during and after a hurricane. To find more information and preparedness resources, visit DOH’s Office of Public Health Preparedness’ website at http://health.hawaii.gov/prepare/advisories/hurricane-season/. Always monitor local news broadcasts (radio, television or Internet) and sign up for local emergency notification systems ahead of time at the following webpages:

Additional emergency preparedness information can be found at: