Maui Electric Customers Urged to Prepare for Olivia

Maui Electric Company today issued some information to help customers prepare for potential impacts of Olivia as the Tropical Storm approaches the island chain.

The system was downgraded to a Tropical Storm on Monday afternoon, but is still projected to approach the islands as a strong system.  Maui County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Maui Electric is urging customers to prepare for high winds and heavy rain that can cause power outages, and to make electrical safety a priority.

As the storm approaches, Maui Electric asks customers to consider the following:

• Unplug electric appliances you may not need or use until the storm has passed or until power is restored
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries
• Stock up on non-perishable foods, medications, personal hygiene, sanitary and baby supplies to last 14 days
• Purchase bottled water or store enough to supply one gallon per person per day, for 14 days
• Keep a first aid kit and special medications
• Pack a manual can opener and bottle opener
• Turn your refrigerator/freezer to the coldest setting; in the event of a power outage, food will keep fresh longer
• Stock an ice chest with ice or frozen ice packs
• Store matches or a lighter in a waterproof container
• Keep a whistle to signal for help
• If you own a pet, have extra pet food and water

Outside the home

• Tie down or store all loose objects
• Bring potted plants into the house
• Remove and store lanai furniture
• Throw deck furniture into the pool
• Cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters, or other shielding materials.
• Wedge a dowel or a piece of broom handle into the track of sliding glass doors to secure them
• If you have a rooftop photovoltaic system, consult with your licensed solar contractor regarding normal and emergency operation procedures for your solar system. As a safety precaution, most photovoltaic systems are designed to safely shut down during outages. PV systems typically have monitoring capabilities that allow owners to check on the status of their equipment.

Home health care patients should discuss emergency plans with their physician or agency representative beforehand and make appropriate arrangements.

If necessary, make prior arrangements with a hospital or emergency facility to stay there if you must evacuate. Storm shelters generally only provide first aid, not nursing care or medical assistance. If you must go to a hospital or emergency facility, be sure to take your medicines and medical equipment and supplies with you. If the situation is life threatening, call 911.

More electrical safety and preparation tips are available in the companies’ Handbook for Emergency Preparedness, available in five languages at www.mauielectric.com/prepare.