Hurricane Lala Leaves Widespread Damage Across Hawaii: What the Storm Teaches About Preparedness

Preparing for the Problems Lala Created

The circumstances following Lala provide a practical example of what households should prepare for.

With tens of thousands of customers still without electricity days after the storm, having shelf-stable food can reduce dependence on refrigeration and make it easier to maintain an adequate food supply during an extended outage. Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods can be stored for long periods, while foods requiring minimal preparation are particularly useful when normal cooking methods aren't available.

Water is equally important. Flooding and infrastructure damage can affect normal water service or create water-quality concerns. Maintaining an emergency supply of drinking water provides an immediate backup, while filtration or purification options can provide another layer of preparedness if disruptions continue.

Lala's widespread outages also reinforce the value of having flashlights, extra batteries, charged power banks, and a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio available before severe weather arrives. Keeping vehicles fueled or charged ahead of a storm can provide additional flexibility if evacuation becomes necessary.

When a crisis hits, stores empty quickly, supply lines break down, and access to essentials becomes unpredictable. The best time to prepare is before you need to. When roads are blocked, the issue isn't simply getting somewhere—it can also become harder for grocery deliveries, utility crews, emergency responders, and other services to reach affected areas. Having several days of essential supplies at home can reduce the need to immediately travel while conditions remain dangerous.|

Preparedness Creates Options

Hurricane Lala is an example of why emergency preparedness isn't about predicting exactly what will happen next. Different emergencies can create remarkably similar problems. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, winter storms, and other events can all interrupt electricity, transportation, communications, access to food, and other essential services.

Having food, drinking water, backup power, medications, emergency information, and other essential supplies already available gives households more options when those systems are disrupted.

ReadyWise emergency food supplies are designed to provide shelf-stable food options as one part of a broader preparedness plan. Whether preparing for severe weather or another unexpected disruption, the goal isn't to anticipate every possible scenario. It's to be prepared for the basic needs that remain when everyday systems aren't available.

Food Storage:

Having a reliable food supply is critical during emergencies. That's why we offer emergency food buckets that provide long-lasting, nutritious meals requiring only water to prepare. With up to a 25-year shelf life, our food ensures you're prepared for the long haul, no matter what comes your way. We take pride in offering great variety in our meal options, so you're not just surviving but eating well. Our meals are easy to prepare, making them an essential part of any emergency plan. Plus, with affordable options  for every family, we're here to make sure you’re always ready.

Water Supply: Access to clean water is essential. Consider storing bottled water and investing in water filtration systems to ensure you have a safe drinking water supply. We offer various water storage and filtration products to help you stay prepared. Access to clean water is non-negotiable in any emergency. We understand that, which is why we offer a range of water storage and filtration products to help you stay prepared. Whether you're storing water for the long term or need a portable filtration system for when you're on the move, our solutions are built for reliability and ease of use. 

Safety and Shelter: 

Your safety is our priority, which is why we emphasize the importance of basic safety measures like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency blankets in your home. If evacuation becomes necessary, having a plan and a grab and go-bag ready with essential items like clothing, toiletries, and important documents is crucial. We're here to support you in creating a safe and secure environment for your family, no matter what the situation.