• HAWAII – As tropical Storm Guillermo nears the Hawaiian Islands, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency have issued media releases urging residents and visitors to be prepared.
• In addition to producing a Public Service Announcement (audio above), the U.S Coast Guard had this to say:

HONOLULU — The public is advised to use extreme caution and prepare for the onset of heavy weather expected to generate severe sea conditions, storm surge and high surf throughout the main Hawaii Islands prior to the arrival of Tropical Storm Guillermo.

Visitors to Hawaii should heed all warnings from lifeguards and public health and safety officials. Although weather conditions may be good, rip tides and high surf may impact beaches far in advance of the actual storm. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and currents caused by storms. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. Local waters can also become contaminated due to runoff for several days following a storm.

Mariners and beachgoers should monitor the progress and strength of the storms through the internet, local television, newspapers and radio stations. Boaters can monitor the progress of the storms on VHF channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also broadcast on VHF channel 16.

The Coast Guard is working closely with local and state first responder agencies. Once the storm begins to impact the islands, emergency responders may not be able to immediately assist those in danger. The public is urged to heed all evacuation orders. Mariners should seek safe harbor and shelter.

Additionally, mariners should secure their boats and boating equipment. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to protected marinas where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or to be otherwise damaged. It may be advisable for smaller boats to be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding and is protected. Regardless of location, all loose items aboard vessels should be secured or removed.

Media interested in conducting interviews with the Coast Guard regarding preparations for the impending storm should contact the Coast Guard 14th District public affairs office at 808-525-3230.

A PDF version of the Hawai’i Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual can be found at the following link.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center’s Web page. – U.S. Coast Guard

• The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency issued this release on Monday as well:

As Tropical Storm Guillermo continues to weaken and move on a northwesterly track toward the state, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (formerly State Civil Defense) continues to work with emergency management and civil defense partners to monitor potential impacts of the storm. It was located 560 miles east-southeast of Hilo as of 11 a.m. today.

“Although Tropical Storm Guillermo shows signs of weakening, we strongly encourage residents and visitors to prepare themselves and their families for potential severe weather,” said Doug Mayne, Administrator of Emergency Management. “There is some uncertainty associated with weather forecasting, so we need to plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

The current forecast shows the potential for Tropical Storm force winds passing north of Hawaii Island as early as 8 a.m., Wednesday, and impacting Maui at 3 p.m. All islands should be prepared for heavy rainfall from Wednesday through Thursday. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect now through Tuesday. – Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency had these safety and preparedness recommendations:

• Do not use candles during a blackout or power outage due to risk of fire.
• Use 9-1-1 only to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Make sure to monitor local broadcasters and/or sign up for local notification systems if you live in a flood prone area.
• Do not attempt to cross fast moving water, especially if you are unsure of the depth.
• Follow the Department of Education online for the latest information on possible school closures. Make sure you know the closure notification procedure if your children attend a private or charter school.
• Check with local officials and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) if you plan to hike or camp next week. Parks and other trails may be closed depending on the weather forecast. Visit the DLNR website at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/ for the latest closure information.
• Visitors should download and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure.