(BIVN) – The Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency says now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawaiʻi in the event of a hurricane.



The National Weather Service is predicting an above average storm potential for this year’s hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.



“Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai’i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige in a media release issued on Wednesday.



Last year, a brush with Hurricane Lane brought torrential rains that flooded Hawaiʻi Island. HI-EMA says:

Last year’s season brought on the storm named Lane, which, had it maintained its course towards the islands, would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It most likely would also have resulted in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai’i. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away.

Residents are urged to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies.



“We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai’i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.”



Family supplies should be kept fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time, officials say.



HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone: