Hurricane Preparedness

Due to the Hawaiian Islands’ location in the Pacific Ocean, hurricanes and tropical storms commonly pass very close to Laie and the North Shore. Hurricanes draw strength from the warm ocean water south of the islands and travel northward before weakening.

Hurricane season in the Central Pacific Ocean is from June 1 to November 30, though hurricanes can occur at any time of the year. Because of this, students, university ohana, and community members must prepare in advance.

Understanding Alerts

The National Weather Service (NWS) will issue watches and warnings when it appears a storm may approach landfall in Hawaii. BYU–Hawaii Safety & Risk Management closely monitors NWS publications and stays informed about approaching hurricanes. View live updates from the National Hurricane Center.

Thanks to modern technology and Hawaii’s robust local warning systems, residents will usually have ample notice and time to prepare before a hurricane makes landfall.

Hurricane Watches

Hurricane watches indicate potential storm landfall within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warnings

Hurricane warnings indicate that a storm is less than 36 hours away.

Preparation

Preparation can be done at any time, not just when an advisory is issued. Take action and prepare early. Recommended steps include:

1. Sign up for BYUH Alerts and HNL Info notifications.
2. Create an individual or family plan.
   
   1. Have a family or friend contact list.
   2. Know where to go during a hurricane evacuation.
3. Prepare an emergency kit or go bag. Include items such as:
   
   1. Important documents such as your passport.
   2. Extra food and water.
   3. Power banks and charging cords.
4. Know the available resources.

A hurricane watch signals that it’s time to finalize preparations, from securing your home to checking that emergency supplies are stocked.

During a Hurricane

Hurricanes can affect daily life in multiple ways, often triggering additional emergency situations such as flooding and power outages. Anticipate these conditions during a hurricane:

Dangerous Winds

Winds ranging from 64 to 137 knots (74-150 mph) can propel debris at dangerously high speeds, posing a risk to life and property. Sheltering indoors and away from glass windows is recommended.

Power Outages

Strong winds can uproot power lines, cutting off electricity to the community. This could take days or weeks to be fixed, depending on the severity of damage elsewhere on the island. Most of the sewage in Laie is electrically pumped, so refrain from using toilets unless necessary. Read more about Power Outage Preparedness.

Storm Surge

Very large ocean waves often accompany a storm. These have been known to travel up to 800 meters inland. Those living on ground floors in low-lying areas may need to evacuate to higher floors.

Flash Flooding

Hurricanes bring heavy rainfall, which could overwhelm local drainage fields and mix with storm surge to flood the town. Areas situated on low ground and close to drainage are most susceptible. Read more about Flooding Preparedness.

General Safety Actions

• Stay indoors and shelter in place unless instructed otherwise.
• Monitor official alerts via BYUH Alerts, radio, and local authorities.
• Monitor shelter status.
• Stay away from windows.

University Emergency Communication

The university will provide updates and emergency instructions during a hurricane via BYUH Alerts.

Shelters

• Shelters are organized by HI-EMA and the Hawaii American Red Cross.
• At the direction of the President’s Council, BYU–Hawaii may open a shelter.
• If evacuation is needed, residents should have an emergency kit prepared.
• Refer to BYUH Alerts regularly for shelter or evacuation updates.

If a Hurricane Watch Is Issued

• Make sure emergency kits and supplies are ready.
• Coordinate a plan with family and roommates.
• Prepare dwellings for the storm by placing important documents and valuables in safe areas.
• Volunteer to prepare sandbags or help as needed.

If a Hurricane Warning Is Issued

• Shelter in place.
• Stay away from windows.
• Move to higher floors if needed.
• Listen for and immediately follow any evacuation orders issued by the university via BYUH Alerts or the state.

What This Means for You

Hale (Single Student Housing) and TVA Residents

Students should shelter in place and pay attention to BYUH Alerts and announcements. Be prepared to evacuate to higher floors should a storm surge reach the campus. Housing Operations will advise students on when to move to upper levels.

Students Residing Off-Campus

The communities closest to the ocean are at the highest risk for storm surge. Off-campus residents should coordinate with their landlords to place sandbags and reinforce windows. They may also have the option to evacuate to designated on-campus buildings or emergency shelters.

BYU–Hawaii Faculty and Staff

Community members should stay informed and follow instructions from state and local emergency agencies. Residents are advised to secure their homes by protecting windows, bringing in outdoor items, and preparing sandbags if in a low-lying area. Residents should shelter inside away from windows and doors if possible. To determine whether evacuation is needed, the City and County of Honolulu provides evacuation and risk guidance based on the location and kind of structure a home is. Residents should be prepared to evacuate if needed.

After a Hurricane

1. Assess the damage in your home and outside.
2. Be aware of hazards such as loose cables or fallen trees.
3. Continue to shelter in place until advised it is safe to walk outside.
4. Continue to follow BYUH Alerts for information on campus operations and safety.