Coast Guard Urges Safety Measures Ahead of Hurricane Lane

File Photo by Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir/U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaiʻi Pacific

The Coast Guard encourages the public to prepare in advance of Hurricane Lane expected to arrive later this week.

There is currently a Hurricane Watch in effect for Maui and Hawaiʻi Counties and a Hurricane Warning in effect for Hawaiian offshore waters beyond 40 nautical miles out to 240 nautical miles.

The public is reminded of these important safety messages:

When hurricane or tropical storm force winds are present stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This may delay help. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories. Evacuate as necessary. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm.

Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to update your Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon registration and secure them safely to your vessel before a significant storm. These devices often float free from vessels in marinas or at docks during hurricanes and signal distress when there is none. Ensure life rings, lifejackets and small boats are secured. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.

Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.

Be prepared. Area residents should develop a personal or family plan, creating a 14-day disaster supply kit to include any prescriptions, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. More information is available at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.

Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Boaters can track its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information is also available through small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.

The Coast Guard will continue to Broadcast Notice to Mariners and send out a Marine Safety Information Bulletin to notify the maritime community of port condition changes.

All maritime waterway users are requested to monitor the progress of this hurricane and make preparations accordingly.