(BIVN) – Concerns over an increased risk of wildfires on the leeward side of Hawaiʻi island, particularly in the Kawaihae area, could lead to a proactive power shut off.
Hawaiian Electric says it may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk. “Customers in these areas are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages,” Hawaiian Electric stated.
According to the National Weather Service, “moderate to breezy trade winds and relatively dry air will raise fire weather concerns today,” and added that although “criteria for a Fire Weather Watch are not forecast, but it’s close.”
“Temperature inversion heights will range between 5,000 to 7,000 feet today,” the forecasters stated. Increasing humidity and rainfall from Tropical Storm Lala “will remove fire weather concerns from Saturday into at least early next week.”
Hawaiian Electric says it has more than 500 employees, contractors and support workers positioned across three counties to assist with damage assessment and power restoration efforts should a Public Safety Power Shutoff be needed. Restoration efforts will begin only when conditions are safe for crews to work, the company says.
Hawaiian Electric offered these tips on how to prepare:
- Check emergency equipment such as flashlights and lanterns (make sure they are operational and buy extra batteries), emergency generators, battery-operated radios and light sticks.
- Have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on weather conditions and possible Public Safety Power Shutoff implementation.
- If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you.
- If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
- Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. If an outage occurs, this will prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored.
- Don’t venture out in the dark, because you might not see a downed power line that could be energized and dangerous; avoid standing water and debris.
- If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away. For emergency assistance call 9-1-1. For Hawaiian Electric, call the Trouble Line: 1-855-304-1212 for Oʻahu, 1-855-304-9191 for Hawaiʻi island, and 1-855-304-8181 for Maui County.
