Lowell has weakened to a tropical storm and moved away from Hawaii, but the storm left significant damage in its wake, particularly on Kauai. The American Red Cross is on the ground, working alongside local officials and community partners to support those affected by the hurricane.

Lowell’s damaging winds, relentless rain and dangerous surf have left tens of thousands without power ─ almost 33,000 customers are without electricity on Kauai and it could be weeks until power is restored. During this time, many homes are on wells and will not have running water until the power is back on. Hawaii’s Emergency Management described damage in Kauai County as severe and urged people to stay indoors and limit travel to allow emergency crews to start repairs. The storm brought sustained 80 mph winds to the state and several areas received more than two feet of rain. Early reports estimate about 200 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

RED CROSS RESPONSE Working with officials, the Red Cross will take over operation of the evacuation centers, changing them to emergency shelters. With power lines down and roads damaged, getting around some areas is difficult. However, teams of Red Crossers will support damage assessment and begin to distribute relief supplies when and where it is safe to do so.

In addition to operating shelters, Red Cross disaster workers will also be providing food and water in the affected communities, especially where running water is off due to the wells. The community of Hanalei has been cut off due to a damaged bridge and the Red Cross is looking at ways to open a shelter there.

THIRD STORM Lowell’s appearance in Hawaii is the third time in less than a month that the state has experienced severe weather. As Lowell hit the state, many communities were still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke, which struck the islands just two weeks apart in August.

Over the weekend, the Red Cross deployed a team to join the local volunteers who have been helping people since Hurricane Lala hit the islands on August 12. More help is on the way as the Red Cross sends in additional disaster volunteers to support people impacted by the string of severe storms which have inundated Hawaii.

HOW CAN I FIND A SHELTER? You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org, using the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to get help. Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by a shelter for a hot meal, to charge their phone and get other support. We don’t ask for identification, and you don’t have to stay overnight.

AFTER THE STORM

If you evacuated, don't return home until local officials have declared that it is safe to enter your community. If your home was damaged by hurricane-force winds or flooding after the storm, it should be carefully inspected and thoroughly cleaned. 

• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires.
• Stay away from floodwaters because they may contain sewage, bacteria and chemicals that can make you ill.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, goggles and boots.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• When cleaning heavy debris, work with a partner. Make sure that you have proper training before using equipment such as chainsaws.
• 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.

WHEN THE POWER IS OUT  During a power outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.

• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles — to help avoid fires.
• Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out, and roads could be congested.
• Decide if you need to leave if your home is too hot or cold, or if you have medical devices that need power.
• Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.

When in doubt, throw it out. To prevent illness, keep food cold.

• Eat fresh, perishable foods first.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help keep food cold. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Measure the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.

• Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this type of equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
• Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch it with wet hands.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.