The two most common disasters that could affect the Hawaiian islands are Hurricanes and Tsunamis. Per Maui County Civil Defense Agency, additional disasters could include Infectious Disease Pandemic (Widespread Epidemic), and Terrorism. Residents of the Hawaiian islands should be sure to have a survival kit prepared in case of disaster, and be aware of local evacuation routes, tsunami surge zones, closest emergency shelter locations, and sources to access for accurate emergency notifications and information. There are links to some of these notification sources on our Links page.
Hurricanes are products of a tropical ocean and a warm, moist atmosphere, powered by the heat from the sea. Our hurricane season runs June 1st through November. According to the National Hurricane Center, "The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge." Storm surges are caused by the low pressure and strong winds around the eye of a hurricane or typhoon creating a dome of water to form at levels higher than the surrounding ocean surface. Large swells, high surf, and wind-driven waves ride atop this dome until they reach land ares, causing extensive damage and severe flooding. Often the surges can carry debris from the hurricane. Know where your home lies in relation to flooding zones. ***Note: while nothing is ever certain, Kihei Shores is currently not located in the flood zone for our area. Flood zone maps are found in the front of phone books, on our Property Info page under Maps, or on Maui County Civil Defense page.
A tsunami is a series of destructive ocean waves affecting shorelines. Tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes, but may also result from underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or a shifting of the Earth's crust. Tsunami waves can travel up to 500 m.p.h. and cause waves to hit the shoreline at heights of 20-50 feet.
Television & radio will run warning announcements during a threat, advising you of the situation and what steps if any you need to take. Web sites such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Maui County web site have regular updates, warnings, and information to prepare for a disaster. You can request Civil Defense notifications from the Maui County web site to be sent to your e-mail or cell phone as well. ***Civil Defense notifications cover hurricane and tsunami threats, as well as high surf advisories, flood advisories, and elevated fire conditions. Additionally there are emergency sirens that will sound in case of emergency. While not all of the island has the sirens in place, they are in many places around Maui including directly opposite our property entrance. (Remember - the county tests the sirens at 11:45 a.m. on the first state work day of each month.)
Be prepared! When disaster strikes it is best to have your survival kit stocked and ready, so you won't be caught off guard when you may not have the option or ability to get much needed supplies. A Disaster Supply Kit for your household should include:
- WATER: at least 1 gallon per person, per day for up to 7 days.
- FOOD: at least enough to feed each person for up to 7 days - non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, food for infants, elderly or others in your household with special dietary needs, snack foods (esp. energy bars), non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils.
- BLANKETS / PILLOWS, etc.
- CLOTHING: seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes
- FIRST AID KIT: Medicines / Prescriptions / Band aids, gauze, medical tape, gloves
- SPECIAL ITEMS: for babies and elderly / comfort item for small children
- TOILETRIES: Hygiene items / Moisture wipes / Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
- FLASHLIGHT: check batteries regularly for charge and to ensure not leaking / corroded
- RADIO: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- TELEPHONES: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery / multi-source charger / traditional corded phone which can work when power is out, as long as phone lines are working.
- CASH: (with some small bills) and Credit Cards. Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- TOYS, BOOKS & GAMES: in a society dependant on technology, TV, internet, gaming, etc. it is important to have ways to pass hours and days without those electricity powered devices.
- IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag. Insurance (home, health & auto) / Medical Records / Bank Account info / Social Security cards / Identification
- TOOLS: keep a set with you, as you never know when you'll need them
- VEHICLE FUEL TANKS FILLED: Don't wait until the warnings are sounding, keep your vehicle ready with gas in the tank, tires (including spares) inflated, and engine running good.
Kihei Shores has an Emergency Preparedness & Response Manual that is updated regularly. Our on-site Manager and crew will follow Disaster procedures to ensure the property is secured and maintained to the best of our abilities in the event of a disaster. When residents are prepared in advance for disaster situations, it will allow our staff and crew to better attend to securing the property & assisting those residents who need help. If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of our Disaster Preparedness team should the situation arise, please contact the Resident Manager.
If you have prepared in advance, you have taken the most important step already. Have your Survival Kit ready and regularly checked, stocked, & maintained. Know how to access Emergency Notification sources for information, warning announcements, and directions. Know your escape routes, tsunami evacuation zones, and shelter locations. And most importantly, as they say in Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "Don't Panic!"