Prepping for the storm: what to include in your emergency kit

HONOLULU (KHON2) — With tropical storms heading our way, the time to get your emergency kit together is now. Here are some tips and a look at what you should include.

City Mill Supervisor Curtis Ratcliff said customers have slowly been coming in to get supplies, so they are restocking cases of water.

Ratcliff explained most people wait until the last minute when the weather is already bad. His advice, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Try to start coming in now. It might pass by, or if it doesn’t, at least you’ll be prepared,” Ratcliff said.

In addition to water, flashlights and batteries, one of the most popular items purchased is Quick Dam, a water-activated barrier that can prevent your home or business from flooding.

Some other items to add to your emergency kit include enough food and water for two weeks, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, a manual can opener and hygiene items including hand sanitizer.

If you get to the store and forget your list, not a problem.

“Just scan the QR code. It will help you with everything that you need just in case you might not forget something or you might not now what you need to do. That’s a good guide,” Ratcliff added.

Hawaiian Electric said they are also preparing, keeping a close eye on the weather and urging customers to do the same.

“When you have severe weather like this, the most common occurrences that can impact electric service are, you know, outages that are a result of high winds or flooding,” said HECO spokesperson Darren Pai.

Currently, Pai said they do not plan on implementing their Public Safety Power Shut Off Program, or PSPS, that went into effect earlier this year to address the danger of wildfires.