WAILUKU, MAUI, Hawai‘i – Hurricane Iselle is expected to impact Maui County as a Tropical Storm beginning early Thursday evening. At this time Maui Civil Defense Agency and Mayor Alan Arakawa would like to remind the community that they should prepare now, before the storm hits, while there is still plenty of time.
“Now is the time to get ready,” said Mayor Arakawa. “Anyone who is waiting until the storm hits to prepare will find themselves running around at the last minute and standing in line at the gas stations and grocery stores. So prepare now and avoid being on the road when you should be safe at home.”
“Although the storm is expected to weaken a bit before impact, at this time we still anticipate a mid-level tropical storm with sustained winds of 50 MPH, potential flash flooding and high surf,” said Emergency Management Officer Anna Foust. “These conditions can pose a threat to life and property and we should take them seriously.”
Maui Civil Defense Agency offers these preparation tips BEFORE the storm:
• Fuel family vehicles
• Store and secure outdoor objects and loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, etc. that may become airborne
• Prepare to cover all window and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials
• Double check your emergency kit – make sure you have adequate water, non-perishable food, and medications on hand
Maui Civil Defense is coordinating readiness activities with County, State, Federal and Non-government partners. The County continues to monitor the storm closely and will announce closures and shelter openings as needed.
Foust also recommends that the public subscribe to receive alerts and notifications directly from Civil Defense on the County website: https://www.mauicounty.gov/civildefense.
For additional preparedness information visit:
www.mauicounty.gov/civildefense
www.redcross.org
www.ready.gov