Preparedness in Hawaiʻi

Current Alerts

For the latest news and information about natural and man-made disasters; emerging infectious diseases and pandemics; bioterrorism, spills and other public health threats:

  • Active State Emergency Proclamations are posted to the HI-EMA website and provide information on the latest official Hawaiʻi state emergency proclamations that describe the nature of the emergency and any related actions and changes to procedures and laws as it relates to the emergency.
  • Trusted Local News Outlets frequently report on incidents and provide timely updates.
  • Community Alerts are available from each city or county to notify residents about hazards. Learn more about current alerts and sign up to receive alert information for your geographic area.
  • Weather advisories from the National Weather Service (NWS) provide the latest weather related news and advisory information.
  • Medical advisories are available from the State of Hawaiʻi DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division. 

Risks in Hawaiʻi: Emergencies & Disasters

Hawaiʻi is vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, radiation, toxic spills, tsunamis, wildfires, disease outbreaks, and other natural and humanmade emergencies and disasters. These events highlight the importance of public health measures, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness. Hawaiʻi experiences frequent:

  • Flooding Heavy rainfall events can lead to severe flooding and damage in different parts of the islands.
  • Tsunami Warnings Hawaiʻi frequently experiences tsunami warnings due to its location in the Pacific Ocean.

All-Hazards Preparedness & One Health Approach 

All-Hazards Preparedness in Hawaiʻi means getting ready for different kinds of emergencies, like hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and even health crises. It’s about knowing what to do when something unexpected happens. By being prepared, you can stay safe and effectively handle challenging situations. This means making plans, having supplies ready, and learning how to help each other during crises. Being prepared helps us all feel more confident and secure, and speeds recovery. 

A One Health approach in Hawaiʻi is about recognizing that the health of people, animals, and the environment are all connected—when we take care of one, we also help others. By working together, we can make our home a happier and healthier place for all—people, animals, and nature.