Hawaii's weather is always changing.

That's why KGMB9 News is committed to keeping you informed and safe during severe weather events.

During the 2007 Pacific hurricane season, two storm systems brought severe weather to our islands—Hurricane Cosme in July and Hurricane Flossie in August—both passing fewer than 200 miles south of the Big Island. Although no major damages or injuries were sustained, they were a reminder that we always need to be prepared for disaster to strike.

When it does, you can count on the entire KGMB9 News Team to help keep you prepared.

Here is a quick list of things you can do to be prepared:

• Watch KGMB9 News for new information.
• Fill cars with gasoline.
• Gather important papers and secure in a waterproof container.
• Bring large objects indoors: Lawn furniture, trash cans, toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants and all other potential hazards.
• Turn off electricity and water: Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker and turn off water at the main valve.
• Leave natural gas on: Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave it on since you will need it for heating/cooking when you return home.
• Turn off propane gas service: Propane tanks can often become dislodged in disasters.
• Check your survival kit: Be sure to have all items you need in your kit and replace items if necessary. Make sure batteries for flashlights, radios and televisions are charged and working properly.
• Board up windows of your home if high winds are expected: Use shutters that are rated to provide protection from wind blown debris, or fit plywood coverings over all windows. Before disaster strikes, consider retrofitting your home to be more resistant to strong winds.
• Use sandbags to keep water away from your home if flooding is expected: It takes 100 sandbags to make a wall one foot high and 20 feet long. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers and time to place them properly.

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