While looks like the hottest days of Kau (Hawaiian summer season) are behind us, it is still muggy. Fortunately, evenings are cooling, and the day does not start to get hot until somewhat after dawn.
We are still in hurricane season, however, so it is not yet time to relax.
Hurricane Season is June through November, so we are currently mid-season. This means it is a good time to check on your supplies of non-perishable foods:
According to the FDA, non-perishable foods—foods that are shelf-stable, and don’t need to be refrigerated or cooked—should be kept on-hand throughout hurricane season.
1. Bottled water.
If a major hurricane hits, the water pumping stations may not work, and the municipal water supply may be contaminated. Now is the time to lay in a supply of water. We don’t get the little bottles, we have the big 5-gallon jugs and fill them ourselves right here at the house. Lot’s cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. If you are worried about plastics, use glass or stainless steel containers. We sterilize after use with a little Clorox, then rinse well and re-fill. Be sure to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. (For a family of three, that’s nine gallons of water.) If you have pets, you’ll need water for them, too. Personally, I keep double the recommended amount.
2. Canned foods such as tuna, salmon, vegetables, or fruits.
Spam, spam, spam, spam ? yeah, we Hawaiʻi peeps are good at canned food. Do what you usually do, you don’t need my advice. ? Canned products are ready to eat—no cooking required. Canned foods should stay safe in the storm, but the FDA says you can pack them in plastic bags for added security. Just be sure to check the cans haven’t bulged before you open them up.
3. Instant soup mixes.
Saimin / ramen. Yes, we island peeps are good at that! If your camping/pot luck gear is handy, you can cook even if the power is out. If you already cook on propane, you have your own gas supply, so you’re good, there!
4. Other shelf-stable foods.
They will go bad eventually, but should last until things settle down. Peanut butter, cold cereal, apples, potatoes, onions, pilot crackers/saloon pilots, – the normal stuff your tūtū kept in bins instead of the fridge.
Whatever you buy, buy it early and have it ready. If the hurricanes hit hard, you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute. If we have a calm season, you’ll have less shopping to do the rest of the year!
Other things to have on-hand:
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust masks (to help filter contaminated air)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation. You can store all of these in a 5 gallon paint bucket, and if needed the lined bucket will be your commode. For comfort, you can even keep an inexpensive toilet seat to place on it, though a hole pre-cut in the lid is just as effective)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities—ahead of time, make sure it fits and you know how to use it!)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps with tsunami zones
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)
- Spare lighters
- candles/lanterns
- mosquito punk or spray (after the storm, these guys get vicious!)
- small tarp and big tarp, duct tape (for emergency shelter/repairs)
- line and bungees (for attaching the tarp if it is needed)
If you are interested in Hawaiian astronomical perspectives, which includes discussions of weather and natural history, check out Leilehua’s Patreon blog, Hawaiian Stars—Nānā i nā Hōkū.