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Storm visualization via Windy.com

Weathering the Storm: A Health and Safety Guide for Hawaiʻi

Storm visualization via Windy.com

From heavy rains to hurricanes, Hawaiʻi’s storm seasons can bring flooding, power outages, and health risks that disrupt daily life. And these events are becoming more common. As climate change drives more severe and frequent weather worldwide, Hawaiʻi is feeling the effects locally with major storms like this year’s Kona Low flooding and Hurricane Lala striking just months apart.

While emergency management agencies and community organizations lead the response, there’s a lot each of us can do to protect our own health and the health of those around us before, during, and after a storm. This guide brings together practical, health-focused steps and the trusted official resources you can turn to.

This guide is a general resource and does not replace official emergency guidance. Always follow the direction of local authorities and emergency responders during an active storm.

In this article

Before a Storm: Prepare Your Health, Not Just Your Home

Most storm-prep checklists cover water, food, and flashlights. These are all essential, but it’s just as important to plan for your family’s health needs, which are easy to overlook until it’s too late.

Stay informed as a storm approaches. 

Monitor official forecasts and track active storms through the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service Honolulu office, and follow guidance from your county emergency management agency.

Medications and medical supplies. 

If you or a family member takes prescription medication, try to keep at least a two-week supply on hand, and refill before a storm is forecast if you’re running low. Keep a written list of everyone’s medications, doses, and pharmacy information in your emergency kit, in case you need care away from home.

Medical devices and power. 

If anyone in your household relies on electricity for medical equipment, like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, powered wheelchairs, or refrigerated medications like insulin, plan ahead for outages, which can last days or even longer. Talk with your provider about backup power options, know where you’d go if you needed to keep a device running, and consider registering with your utility as a medically vulnerable customer.

A health-ready emergency kit. 

Alongside the basics, include a first-aid kit, any regular over-the-counter medications, extra eyeglasses or hearing-aid batteries, copies of insurance and ID cards, and a list of emergency contacts including your doctor. Keeping appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer now will help you make safe food decisions later.

Prepare for a power outage. 

Freeze containers of water and gel packs ahead of a storm to help keep food cold, and have a cooler on hand. Keeping your freezer full also helps food stay frozen longer if the power goes out.

Check on your circle early. 

If you have kūpuna, neighbors who live alone, or friends with health conditions or disabilities, reach out before a storm to make a plan together. A quick conversation now is far easier than trying to reach someone after the power goes out.

During a Storm: Stay Put, Stay Safe

Stay indoors.

Stay inside and away from windows once conditions worsen, and follow all guidance from local authorities. If you’re told to evacuate, do so early.

Never drive or walk through floodwater. 

Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep away a person or vehicle, and you can’t see hazards beneath the surface. Most storm-related injuries and deaths involve floodwater. When in doubt, turn around. Read more about floodwater safety here.

Use generators safely. 

Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly within minutes. Only run generators outdoors and far from buildings, never in a home, garage, carport, or on a balcony, and never near a door, window, vent, or where people are sleeping.

Watch for signs of stress. 

Storms are frightening, especially for keiki. Stay calm, keep children reassured, and take care of your own nervous system too.

After a Storm: Recovery Comes With Its Own Risks

The danger doesn’t end when the rain stops. Some of the most serious health risks appear during cleanup and recovery.

Floodwater and “Brown Water”

Floodwater is not just muddy water. It can contain sewage, bacteria, chemicals, and sharp debris. Avoid contact whenever possible. If you must be in it, wear protective gear, and wash thoroughly with clean water and soap afterward. Check here for Clean Water Branch alerts.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in floodwater, rivers, streams, and soil or surfaces contaminated with animal urine, and is a real concern in Hawaiʻi after heavy flooding. You can be exposed by working or wading in floodwater, or through contact with contaminated soil, mud, or wet items.

Protect yourself by wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, boots, eye protection), covering any cuts or abrasions, and bathing after cleanup. Leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, red eyes, rash, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms after flood exposure, seek medical treatment right away. Leptospirosis is treatable, but it can become serious if left untreated. 

Wound Care

Cuts and scrapes exposed to floodwater are at real risk of infection. Clean any wound promptly with soap and clean water, keep it covered, and keep it out of floodwater as much as possible. Watch for signs of infection, which can include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever, and seek care if they appear. Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.

Tap Water Safety

After flooding, water systems can be compromised. If a boil-water notice is in effect in your area, follow it, and follow all guidance from your local Department of Water Supply. When in doubt, use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. If bottled water isn’t available and you need to make water safe:

  • Boil: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation), then let it cool.
  • Disinfect: If you can’t boil, add about 8 drops (a little less than 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach (5%–9%) per gallon of water, mix well, and wait at least 30 minutes before using. Use 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) for cloudy water.
  • Note: water contaminated with chemicals or toxins cannot be made safe by boiling, disinfecting, or filtering.

Food Safety After a Power Outage

Never taste food to decide if it’s safe. When in doubt, throw it out. Follow these CDC timeframes:

  • Refrigerated perishable food (meat, fish, eggs, milk, leftovers, cut produce) is safe for about 4 hours without power. After that, throw it out.
  • A full freezer keeps food safe for about 48 hours if kept closed; a half-full freezer, about 24 hours.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • Throw out any food above 40°F or with an unusual odor, color, or texture, and anything that touched floodwater.
  • You can safely refreeze or cook thawed food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below.

Mold and Your Breathing

Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours of water intrusion, and it poses risks, especially for people with asthma, COPD, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Because Hawaiʻi’s warm, humid climate accelerates mold growth, acting fast matters.

  • Clean and dry water-damaged areas as soon as it’s safe. If something is wet and can’t be fully dried, or is moldy and can’t be cleaned, throw it away.
  • Fix the moisture source (leaks, standing water) first, otherwise mold will grow back.
  • Wear protection while cleaning: an N-95 respirator (a dust mask or bandana will not protect you as mold passes through them), goggles without vent holes, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes.
  • Never mix cleaning products, and never add bleach to other chemicals.
  • If mold covers a large area, or someone in the home has a respiratory condition, consider professional help.

Mosquitoes and Standing Water

Standing water left behind after a storm becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can multiply quickly in Hawaiʻi’s climate.

  • Remove or empty anything holding water around your home, such as buckets, tires, containers, clogged gutters, and plant saucers.
  • Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Prevent bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants, and using an EPA-registered repellent as directed. People with respiratory conditions should check with their doctor before using pesticide sprays.

Protect Yourself During Cleanup

Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and protective clothing. Watch for hazards like downed power lines, unstable structures, and displaced wildlife. Cleanup injuries are common, so make sure you take breaks, stay hydrated, and don’t overexert.

Don’t Overlook Mental Health

Living through a storm and the disruption that follows takes an emotional toll. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or on edge in the days and weeks afterward. 

Be gentle with yourself and your family. Try to keep routines where you can, rest when possible, and stay connected with people who support you. Talking about what you experienced can help. Children may need extra reassurance and may express stress through behavior rather than words.

If you or someone you love is struggling, support is available:

  • Call or text 988 for the Hawaiʻi CARES crisis line, available 24/7.
  • Dial 211 to connect with local resources and services.

Caring for Kūpuna and Vulnerable Neighbors

Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, those with disabilities, and people living alone are among the most vulnerable during and after a storm. Heat without air conditioning, missed medications, power-dependent equipment, and isolation can all become serious quickly.

If you’re able, check on the kūpuna and neighbors in your life. Check on them in person when it’s safe, or by phone otherwise. A simple knock on the door or a quick call can make all the difference. 

Trusted Resources

For current, actively updated storm and recovery information:

Official health and safety fact sheets (downloadable):

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