Hurricane season in the Central Pacific runs from June through November. Hawaii households are urged to keep supplies on hand and have a plan. If you have a home elevator, a stair lift or a platform lift, include it.
Ask your installer now
What to do depends on your equipment. Get specific instructions before the season and keep them with your emergency papers.
- Where should the elevator cab or platform be left when a storm approaches?
- Should the power be turned off, and where?
- Is any equipment in a spot that could flood?
- What should be checked before using it afterward?
Basic principles
- Do not use an elevator during a hurricane, a flood or a tsunami warning
- Do not count on an elevator as part of your evacuation
- If you are in an evacuation zone, leave when told to
If a family member cannot use stairs
- Decide early where they will shelter
- If the plan is to stay home, choose the safest floor and settle them there before the storm arrives
- Keep medications, water, food and a phone on that floor
- Ask your county emergency management agency about assistance for people with access needs
Power outages
- A stair lift runs on batteries and will work for a number of trips
- A home elevator has emergency lowering to bring the cab to a floor
- Outages after a major storm can last days or longer on an island. Plan for that.
- If you have a generator or home battery, ask an electrician whether it can run the elevator
After the storm
- If water reached any equipment, do not use it until a technician has inspected it
- Clear debris from outdoor lifts and check for damage
- Rinse off salt spray
Before the season
Have equipment serviced so that batteries and safety systems are in good order.
Official guidance comes first
Always follow instructions from emergency officials. This article is general information only.
Questions about your equipment?
Call Nationwide Lifts of Hawaii on (888) 323-8755.