Press Release: DOH Urges Residents with Electrically Powered Medical Devices to Prepare for Potential Power Outages
Posted on July 3, 2024 in Latest news from the department, Press room
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT OF ORGANIZATION
Dr. Josh Green
GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR
Dr. Kenneth S. Fink, MGA, MPH
DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DOH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS WITH ELECTRICAL MEDICAL DEVICES TO PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2024 24-092
HONOLULU โ The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Office of Public Health Preparedness reminds households with people who rely on electricity and battery-powered medical devices to prepare for potential power outages.
The start of the Pacific hurricane season, coupled with additional wildfire safety measures planned by electric utilities, underscores the need to be prepared for power outages lasting several days.
For households where a family member is medically dependent on electricity, it is recommended to speak with your health care provider about planning for power outages. Also, review and update your family's power outage plan, including possible temporary relocation out of the outage area if there are not enough backup power options available.
The Pacific Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center has published a helpful checklist to support preparation, available here.
Hawaiian Electric (HECO) stated in a recent press release that beginning July 1, the company has been prepared to shut off power in certain at-risk areas to prevent potential wildfires, if necessary. This initiative is known as the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. All households in Honolulu, Maui, and Hawaii counties served by HECO and who rely on electricity and battery-powered medical devices are strongly encouraged to visit the HECO website. PSPS Website for their recommended key preparation steps which include:
- Determine if you reside within a designated area PSPS Area
- Enroll in Communications in case of emergency service interruption.
- Complete a Medical Needs Communication Form.
- Alternatively, please contact HECO Customer Service Centers:
- Clothing: 808-548-7311
- Maui: 808-871-9777
- Molokai and Lanai: 877-871-8461
- Thread: 808-969-6999
- Contact: 808-329-3584
- Contact: 808-885-4605
- If you have a smartphone, download the HECO app and turn on notifications.
All households are encouraged to visit www.preparenowhawaii.org For more emergency preparedness tips and resources to support health and wellness, specific questions about electric service should be directed to your electric service provider.
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Media Contact:
Christian Wong
Information Specialist
Hawaii State Department of Health
808-586-4407
[emailย protected]
