Hurricane Lowell is a very strong category four storm which could impact Hawaii with sustained 145 mph winds early next week. The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the storm and preparing to respond if needed.

While the path of the storm is still uncertain, the Red Cross urges people in Hawaii to watch Lowell closely and make their storm preparations now.

Even though Lowell’s exact path is still a question mark, the islands will experience dangerous surf and winds strong enough to cause damage as the storm moves south of Hawaii through Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that even though it is still too early to report what impact Lowell will have on Hawaii, “interests in Hawaii should closely monitor the progress of Lowell through this upcoming weekend. This is a good time for all residents to ensure they have their hurricane plan and supply kit in place."

Mindful that the storm’s impacts are happening over Labor Day weekend, the Red Cross is looking head, identifying shelter locations, mobilizing trained disaster volunteers and readying relief supplies.

STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE TO GET READY  Have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home.

• Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
• Decide how you will reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
• Be able to monitor local weather and news reports even if the power goes out. Have a backup battery or another way to charge your cell phone, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. 
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Gather critical supplies — food, water and medicine — and organize them into a three-day go-kit and a two-week stay-at-home kit. Include a month’s supply of medications and medical supplies If needed.
• If you have pets or young children, include items they will need.
• Keep your personal, financial and medical records in a safe place that’s easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you. 

DURING THE STORM, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Bring your go-kit and pets. Don’t return home until officials say it is safe.

• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!
• If officials don’t recommend evacuating, take shelter in an interior room. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Move to higher ground before flooding begins.

DON’T FORGET TO download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.