KIUC Urges Members to Prepare for Severe Weather Impacts and Possible Prolonged Outages

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) is preparing for potential impacts from Hurricane Lowell over the Labor Day weekend.

Following Tropical Storm Lala, KIUC crews conducted comprehensive inspections of the cooperative’s transmission and distribution systems to identify storm-related damage and other potential impacts. Repair needs were prioritized based on severity, and crews have been working over the past two weeks to address the issues identified.

As KIUC continues preparing for the possibility of additional storm activity, members are encouraged to review their personal emergency preparedness plans and make sure they are ready for the possibility of prolonged power outages.

Preparedness tips include:

• Ensure that KIUC has your current contact information (phone, text and email) by calling us at 808.246.4300.
• Make an emergency plan: where to go, what to do and how to meet up if you are separated from your family. 
• Know evacuation routes and refuge areas. 
• Keep trees around your home trimmed. 
• Tie down or put away loose outdoor items to prevent them from becoming flying debris and causing damage. 
• Know where your electrical and gas shutoffs are located. 
• Protect your pet by making an emergency plan and kit for them. Contact the Kaua‘i Humane Society for information. 
• If evacuating, pack an emergency kit that can sustain you and your family for several days, which includes items such as water, non-perishable food, medication, a portable radio and batteries.

If a storm is imminent: 

• Turn off all switches on your electric circuit panel (usually located inside the home or garage). 
• Turn off the switch for your main breaker (usually located outside near your meter). 
• Be prepared for prolonged power interruptions:
  • Unplug electrical appliances and sensitive electrical equipment. 
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. Food may stay frozen in the refrigerator’s freezer compartment for 12 to 48 hours, and up to 72 hours in a fully loaded separate freezer
  • Ensure you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food and water available.
  • If you are dependent on electricity for medical reasons, consider backup power options provided by KIUC. 

Additional preparedness information can be found on the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website.

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