Utility companies prepare for possible severe weather impacts

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Utility companies across the state are taking steps to plan for another possible severe weather event.

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Hawaiian Electric and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative are tracking Tropical Storm Nolo as it approaches the state.

HECO is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential impacts of severe weather and high winds.

“We have our crews go through their trucks make sure they have all the equipment they need,” said Jason Cosma, superintendent of HECO’s Transmission & Distribution Operations. “Make sure they have an excess of equipment and replacement material and just get everything oiled up and ready to go and just have all the necessary, protective equipment that they need for working on the line safely.”

While HECO plans for possible outages, the public is also encouraged to take action ahead of the storm by securing outdoor items.

Cosma says that while trees and branches do most of the damage to power lines during storms, household items can also threaten lines during severe weather events.

“If you have anything loose lying around the house just go around and clean up those loose things,” Cosma said. “Secure them and tie them down whatever you need to just make sure it’s not flying around causing harm to themselves, to their to their homes, or their property, and also getting up into the powerlines.”

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HECO is also encouraging the public to prepare and replenish emergency kits ahead of the storm.

“Make sure the expiration dates are good and all of that stuff and just do that routine for every storm because then they’ll be assured to be prepared for the storm and prolonged outages should they occur,” said Shari Ishikawa, vice president of Energy Delivery.

Click here to see HECO’s Emergency Preparedness Handbook.

Meanwhile, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is also taking steps to prepare for possible storm impacts.

Kauai customers are asked to ensure that KIUC has their most updated contact information by calling (808) 246-4300.

Before weather conditions worsen, residents should make sure to know how to locate their electrical and gas shutoffs, as well as evacuation routes and refuge areas.

Unplug electrical appliances and sensitive electrical equipment.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible to prevent food from perishing.

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Click here for more tips from KIUC.