Hawaii’s hurricane season typically runs from late June through November each year. Hurricanes occur when hot, damp air rises over water and meets cooler air temperatures, so the hotter, summer and autumn months in Hawaii typically lead to intense storms, cyclones, and hurricanes.
Hurricanes can be dangerous when communities are left unprepared, and the storms impact more than just people in surrounding areas. Local waterways and wildlife are heavily impacted during hurricane season due to flash floods, mudslides, runoff, and high intensity winds.
The rough weather can cause debris, trash, and other pollutants to enter our waterways during the hurricane season. You can help keep you, your family, local wildlife, and our waters safe by properly preparing for high impact storms.
- Secure Trash: If possible, keep your trash bins inside a garage or covered area until garbage day to prevent bins from tipping or overflowing due to winds and intense rains. Be sure to properly tie up any lose garbage and to use a lid to prevent items from blowing or falling out.
- Keep Chemicals off the ground: Many households use garages as storage for household cleaners, fertilizers, and chemicals. We recommend keeping these items at least 3-4ft off the ground so they aren’t swept up in a potential flood.
- Park at higher ground: During hurricane season, cars, mopeds, bikes, and other modes of transportation may be washed away or covered in water. We recommend parking at higher elevation, or inside a garage that can fully close to prevent storm water from picking up vehicles and oil or grease from these transportation modes.
- Recycle: Use old cardboard boxes to secure windows and breakable entry ways in your home. This will help keep you safe when high winds might otherwise break your windows.
- Monitor Electricity: Turn off or unplug unnecessary appliances and equipment. Be sure to have any power cords, outdoor lights, or active electric outlets secured to prevent glass and wires from floating around walkways. Water can carry an electric current, and it is important to check your surrounds to prevent dangerous conditions.
Learn more about how you can prepare for this year’s hurricane season here.
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