Electrical Safety 

When lines from a utility pole fall on the ground or on a guardrail, assume they are energized and dangerous. Never touch downed power lines, stay at least 30 feet away.

Always keep ladders, tools and poles at least 10 feet away from power lines. If you see something caught in a power line, do not try to free it. Report it to the appropriate Hawaiian Electric trouble line:

Hawai‘i Island: 1-855-304-9191

Maui: 1-855-304-8181

O‘ahu: 1-855-304-1212

If someone has received an electric shock from being too close to a powerline, call 911 for immediate assistance.

Do not touch photovoltaic panels and components. PV panels generate electricity and you should always assume they are energized. In the event your solar system is damaged in a storm or torn from your roof, contact your solar contractor. 

In an emergency, such as an appliance fire, cut off the power to your house at the main breaker or switch. Never use water on an electric fire. Water can carry electricity back to you and cause electric shock.

If evacuating your home, turn off your electricity at the main circuit breaker or switch to prevent damage to your appliances and equipment. For more tips, download Hawaiian Electric’s Emergency Preparedness Handbook at hawaiianelectric.com/prepare.

An evacuation plan is a vital step in preparing your family for an emergency. It contains information about safe shelter options, evacuation routes, and how you will reconnect if you become separated and other communication methods are compromised. Evacuation plans should be developed for each specific disaster that could happen and should be practiced to prevent confusion during an emergency.

Evacuation Checklist

In addition to your Home Survival Kit, an Evacuation Kit should include:

[   ]    Sleeping bags or two blankets per person

[   ]    One complete change of clothing, face covering, sturdy shoes for each family member

[   ]    Important papers and documents (e.g., insurance and mortgage papers) in a waterproof bag or on a USB flash drive

[   ]    Have a full tank of gas or a fully charged electric vehicle in case evacuation is necessary.

First Aid Kit Checklist

[   ]    Sleeping bags or two blankets per person

[   ]    One complete change of clothing, face covering, sturdy shoes for each family member

[   ]    Important papers and documents (e.g., insurance and mortgage papers) in a waterproof bag or on a USB flash drive

[   ]    Have a full tank of gas or a fully charged electric vehicle in case evacuation is necessary.

[   ]    Adhesive tape, 2-inch-wide roll

[   ]    Applicators, sterile cotton-tipped

[   ]    Antibiotics (prescribed)

[   ]    Aspirin

[   ]    Baking soda, 4 ounces

[   ]    Bandages, 2- and 4-inch-wide sterile rolls

[   ]    Band-aids, assorted sizes

[   ]    Cough medicine

[   ]    Current medications with prescription information

[   ]    Diarrhea medication

[   ]    Ear drops

[   ]    Hand sanitizer

[   ]    Laxative

[   ]    Mosquito repellent

[   ]    Motion sickness tablets

[   ]    Nose drops

[   ]    Paper tissues, 1 package

[   ]    Petroleum jelly

[   ]    Plastic garbage bags

[   ]    Rubbing alcohol

[   ]    Safety pins, assorted sizes

[   ]    Sanitary napkins

[   ]    Scissors

[   ]    Smelling salts

[   ]    Soap

[   ]    Table salt, 8 ounces

[   ]    Toothache remedy

[   ]    Tweezers

[   ]    Water purification materials

Home Survival Checklist

[   ]    Portable radio

[   ]    Chemical light sticks or flashlights and lanterns

[   ]    Cellular phone with backup charger

[   ]    Extra batteries

[   ]    Manual can opener and bottle opener

[   ]    14-day supply of food and water for your pet or service animal

[   ]    Personal hygiene, sanitary supplies and diapers

[   ]    Ice chest and ice or frozen ice packs

[   ]    Matches or a lighter in waterproof container

[   ]    Butane, propane or canned heat stove, and enough fuel for 14 days; or charcoal grill and charcoal

[   ]    Boards, shutters, or other shielding materials for windows or door openings

[   ]    First aid kit and special medications, including actual prescription information

[   ]    14-day supply of nonperishable foods needing little or no cooking

[   ]    Baby food and formula

[   ]    Water

[   ]    Mosquito repellent

[   ]    Whistle to signal for help

[   ]    Extra cash in small bills

[   ]    Disposable plates, forks, spoons, knives

[   ]    Disposable hot and cold cups

[   ]    Paper napkins or towels

[   ]    Trash bags

[   ]    Heavy-duty aluminum foil

[   ]    Plastic storage bags

[   ]    Basic tools and duct tape