Living and farming on Kauai means working in close relationship with the land, weather, and ocean. But storms and hurricanes are a reality we all must prepare for, especially during hurricane season (June–November). Having a strong Kauai farm storm preparedness plan can make the difference between major losses and a faster recovery. Taking action before severe weather hits helps protect your crops, animals, equipment, and ultimately, your livelihood.
Here are essential steps for storm preparedness on Kauai farms:
1. Secure Equipment and Infrastructure
- Tie down or store loose items like irrigation pipes, tools, fencing materials, and shade cloth.
- Shut down and secure greenhouses, hoop houses, and tents. Reinforce plastic coverings or remove them if high winds are expected.
- Park tractors, trucks, and heavy machinery on higher ground if flooding is possible.
2. Protect Animals and Livestock
- Move animals to secure, sheltered areas with enough food and water for several days.
- Check fencing and gates for weak spots and repair them ahead of time.
- Have an evacuation or transport plan if animals need to be relocated.
3. Safeguard Crops
- Harvest mature crops if time allows—better to sell or store them than risk losing everything.
- Remove damaged or weak limbs from trees to reduce breakage.
- Stake or support young trees and tall plants that may topple in strong winds.
4. Prepare for Flooding
- Clear drainage ditches, streams, and culverts of debris to improve water flow.
- Move inputs like fertilizers, chemicals, and animal feed to elevated, dry storage areas.
- Place sandbags around vulnerable structures, especially packing sheds or storage units.
5. Back Up Your Water and Power
- Fill water storage tanks and troughs in case municipal water is disrupted.
- Test and fuel generators ahead of time—make sure you have enough fuel for several days.
- Check refrigeration systems and create backup plans for cold storage and perishable crops.
6. Protect Critical Documents and Records
- Store farm records, insurance papers, and financial documents in waterproof containers or digitally in the cloud.
- Take photos and videos of your property and equipment before the storm for insurance purposes.
7. Create a Communication Plan
- Share emergency contacts with farm staff, partners, and family members.
- Establish how you’ll check in with workers during and after the storm.
- Keep a battery-powered radio or other means to stay updated on emergency alerts.
8. Plan for Recovery
- Stockpile repair materials (tarps, nails, lumber, wire) for immediate post-storm fixes.
- Identify resources and local agencies (USDA, NRCS, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture) that can assist with disaster relief, and ensure you’re registered with them.
- Document storm damage carefully for insurance claims and disaster assistance before making any repairs.
Final Tip on Kauai Farm Storm Preparedness:
Preparation is ongoing. The best time to get ready isn’t when a storm is on the horizon, but weeks and months beforehand. By building resilience into your farm—maintaining strong infrastructure, diversifying crops, and creating reliable backup systems—you’ll be better equipped to weather the next hurricane season and protect your farm’s future.
Don’t forget yourself and your family – the recommendation is to have on hand 14 days worth of food and water for everyone in your household. Only 17% of Kaua‘i households have this.