The Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) has issued a number of tips and reminders for residents after recent flooding and severe weather.
Affected residents should return home after authorities say it is safe, and avoid wading in floodwater, which may be hiding debris, contaminated with sewage, or electrically charged.
For insurance purposes, residents are encouraged to take video and/or photographs of flood damage before cleaning up and then proceed to start cleanup immediately after documenting. Residents are encouraged to clean up first and not wait for a flood insurance adjuster or inspector. Other reminders include:
- Wear heavy boots, gloves, and goggles during cleanup.
- Be aware of hidden structural damage as floodwater may have weakened roads and building foundations.
- Be aware of brown water advisories. Brown water advisories are issued by the Department of Health to remind the public to avoid dirty water as they may be contaminated.
- Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators, pressure washers, or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents.
Each County has on-line Self Reporting Tools for Residential and Business Damage Assessment. The purpose of these forms is to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage that occurred and impacts on the community.
In an effort to prevent last minute scenarios, residents are also encouraged to sign up for free county alerts on the state’s webpage.