(BIVN) – A Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch has been issued by Hawaiian Electric due to high winds and dry conditions in parts of Hawaiʻi Island and Maui County. If weather conditions intensify in the next 24 to 48 hours, the utility may that if weather conditions intensify in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Hawaiian Electric did not specify which Hawaiʻi island communities are at risk. Usually, these areas include the leeward side of the island in the districts of North and South Kohala, and North Kona.
“A watch doesn’t mean we will shut off power, only that we are monitoring it closely in areas at the highest risk for wildfires,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer. “While we hope shutting off power won’t be necessary, we have to take this threat seriously and we urge our customers to be prepared and stay informed.”
The National Weather Service reported Friday that fire weather conditions are expected to remain below critical thresholds into next week.
Hawaiian Electric provided this information on how customers can 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 PSPS outage 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 to the facility.
- 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 911. For Hawaiian Electric, call our Trouble Line: 1-855-304-9191 (Hawaiʻi island)
