Disaster Preparation

Hawaii's location in the Central Pacific makes it vulnerable to hurricanes, flash floods, tsunamis, and severe weather events. Emergency officials and NOAA have projected an above-normal hurricane season for 2026, with a 70% probability of higher-than-average activity. The time to prepare is now — before a storm is on the radar.

Because we live on an island, we can't drive out of the danger zone. That means preparation is not optional.

Step 1: Know Your Risk

Not all homes face the same hazards. Older single-wall wood frame homes built before 1995 may not withstand hurricane-force winds. Low-lying areas near the coast face elevated flood and storm surge risk.

Check your address for:

• Flood zone status — Visit honolulu.gov/dpp and search your parcel

• Storm surge areas — Visit honolulu.gov/dem

• Evacuation zones — Visit honolulu.gov/dem

Step 2: Build Your Emergency Kit

Emergency officials recommend a minimum 14-day supply of essentials for Hawaii residents. This is longer than mainland recommendations because island supply chains can be disrupted after major storms.

Your 14-Day Emergency Kit Should Include:

• Water — 1 gallon per person per day (14 gallons minimum per person)

• Non-perishable food (canned goods, shelf-stable meals, snacks)

• Manual can opener

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• First aid kit

• Prescription medications (30-day supply if possible)

• Important documents in a waterproof container (ID, insurance cards, bank info)

• Cash — ATMs and card readers may not work after a storm

• Phone chargers and backup power banks

• Extra clothing and sturdy shoes

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Baby supplies, pet food, or other household-specific items

Step 3: Make a Family Plan

A plan made before an emergency is worth more than one made during it.

Your plan should cover:

• Where your family will meet if you are separated

• How you will communicate if cell service is down

• Who will check on elderly neighbors or family members

• Whether you will shelter in place or evacuate — and where you will go

• What you will do with your pets

Step 4: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

HNL Alert is the City and County of Honolulu's official emergency notification system for Oahu residents. Sign up now so you receive alerts before and during an emergency.

How to sign up:

• Visit hnlalert.gov to create an account and customize your alerts

• OR text HNLALERT to 888-777 to receive urgent notifications only via text

HNL Alert can notify you about evacuation orders, shelter openings, flash flood warnings, and other emergency updates. The more information you give when you register, the more tailored and useful your alerts will be.

Step 5: Know Where to Shelter

If you cannot shelter safely at home, the City and County of Honolulu opens Hurricane Refuge Areas as needed. These are "best available refuge areas" located in schools and public buildings across Oahu.

Important notes about shelters:

• Bring your own food, water, medications, and essential supplies — shelters do not provide these

• All shelter locations are pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed or in a carrier

• Not all locations open for every storm — check for current open shelters during an emergency

During an active emergency, find open shelter locations at: p.veoci.com/hnlshelter

Shelter updates are also shared through HNL Alert, so sign up now at hnlalert.gov.

Hurricane Season: Key Facts

• Hurricane season in Hawaii runs June 1 through November 30

• Peak activity typically occurs July through September

• The 2026 season has been projected as above-normal by NOAA

• Hurricanes in the Central Pacific can develop and move toward Hawaii quickly, leaving less preparation time than storms that form in the Atlantic

Key Resources