Updated at 1:57 p.m., Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hawaiian Electric offers high-wind forecast tips
Compiled by Hawaiian Electric Co.
Hawaiian Electric Company is asking customers to take the following safety precautions, as appropriate:
Advance planning tips:
Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on the weather. Double check your emergency equipment at home such as flashlights, radios, cell phones and other battery-powered equipment to be sure they are operational. Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. In the event of an outage, this will prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored. If someone in your home is dependent on electric powered, life sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go should the need for evacuation occur, and remember to take your equipment, medicine and/or supplies with you when you go to the hospital or emergency facility. If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside) and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer's manual. As a general rule, do not plug portable generators into household outlets. Doing so could cause electricity to backflow into power lines endangering the public and Hawaiian Electric workers who may be working to restore power. Electric appliances should be plugged directly into the generator using heavy duty extension cords. Make sure the wattage of the appliances you are using does not exceed the capacity of your generator.
Keep cash on hand. If power outages do occur, you may not be able to withdraw cash from banks or ATMs. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
During a power outage:
If your power goes off, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps, and be careful with cooking flames. Open flames may create a fire hazard and the fire department may not be able to respond promptly. Don't use charcoal or other fossil fuels to cook with indoors, as they can create deadly fumes. If you were cooking when the outage occurred, remember to turn off the stove, oven or other appliances and remove all items such as pots and pans from the burners. During a power outage, a fully-stocked free-standing freezer will keep most of your foods frozen for up to 72 hours – if you don't open the door. The freezer section of a refrigerator-freezer will keep most of your foods frozen 10 to 24 hours. Resist the urge to peek inside to see if the food is still frozen. Each time you open the door, cold air gets out.
Electrical safety advice:
Do NOT approach downed utility lines or touch fallen or low-hanging wires, nor anything they may be in contact with. As a precaution, assume that all cables and lines may still be energized, regardless of whether they are power lines or telephone or cable television lines. In the event of high winds, any one of these lines may become energized if it becomes wrapped up in a power line. Stay away from downed lines. Warn others to stay away. Call Hawaiian Electric Co.'s Trouble Line at 548-7961 or dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Communications:
Check local media and/or tune in to radio stations for important reports from local officials and additional safety and status reports from Hawaiian Electric Co. Keep telephone lines clear for police and other emergency services. Call Hawaiian Electric Co. only to report downed sparking power lines or unsafe electrical equipment. Key numbers to note: 1. Customer Service inquiries: 548-7311
2. Trouble Line: 548-7961
3. Emergency: 911
