The 2022 Central Pacific hurricane season started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu last week predicted 2-4 tropical storms — fewer than average — for the season.

But remember, as Maui’s December 2021 flooding event illustrated, it only takes one storm to impact lives, property, infrastructure and the environment.

Even a near-miss by a strong storm can put communities in jeopardy. This happened in August 2018, when firefighters heroically saved Lahainaluna High School and West Maui homes from a massive brush fire fueled by winds from Hurricane Lane.

According to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), our warming climate provides more energy to drive weather systems, allowing for bigger storms, more rain and stronger winds.

Even storms weaker than a hurricane — such as the “Kona low” in December 2021 — can bring significant and dangerous flooding, landslides and damage from high winds.

HI-EMA encourages residents to prepare now.

“Don’t wait. Take small steps now to prepare yourself and your family,” said Luke Meyers, HI-EMA administrator.

“Past incidents teach us how important it is to get ready during blue skies, before a storm is bearing down on Hawaii.”

While HI-EMA prepares for the effects of a hurricane on critical systems, it is also vital that residents and visitors do what they can to increase their own ability to cope with a storm.

When more families and communities are resilient, emergency responders can focus on the greatest needs.

“The more resilient we become as a state, the quicker we will be able to bounce back and recover from a disaster,” Meyers said.

A more resilient Hawaii starts with six simple actions that have proven to help residents be better prepared before, during and after a storm:

1) Know what hazards exist where you live, work and play.

2) Sign up for emergency alerts from Maui County.

3) Make an individual or family emergency plan that includes where to go, how to communicate and how to take care of each other (including pets) during an emergency. Include plans for vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance.

4) Prepare an emergency kit. Set aside enough food, water and supplies to survive without assistance for at least 14 days. Also prepare a go-bag with 72 hours of supplies in case an evacuation requires you to go to an emergency shelter. (Don’t forget necessary medications, masks and hand sanitizer.)

5) Consult an insurance agent about obtaining flood insurance and/or hurricane insurance.

6) Consider fortifying your home with hurricane clips or other strengthening measures to protect your property from the damaging effects of hurricane-force winds and other natural hazards.

“Every household that has prepared to help itself during a disaster helps the whole state by freeing up resources to help people in the greatest need,” Meyers concluded.