The city Department of Emergency Management and Hawaiian Electric Company urge the public on Oahu to start preparing for Tropical Storm Flossie, which could reach the Hawaiian islands early next week.

Hawaiian Electric and City officials recommend the following:

>> Create a family disaster plan. Remember that you and your family may be separated during a disaster. Discuss in advance how you will contact each other; how you will get back together; and how you will respond during an emergency. 

>> Assemble a seven-day disaster supplies kit consisting of non-perishable food, water, and medicine for family members and pets in case you have to evacuate your home.

>> Know the location of your nearest hurricane shelter. (A list of emergency shelters is available at scd.hawaii.gov or call 733-4300.) If you do need to evacuate your home, remember to shut off the electricity at the main breaker or switch. Also, if someone depends on an electrically powered life support system, make arrangements in advance to go to a safe location where electricity will be available.

>> Persons who live in frequently flooded areas should keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber which can be used to protect properties.

>> Make sure you have a battery operated radio, flashlight and spare batteries on hand at all times.

>> Make arrangements for safe shelter for your pets.

>> Residents should sign-up for Nixle at www.nixle.com/dem to receive emergency alerts and community messages via email and cell phone text messaging. Almost 22,000 Oahu residents have already registered.

>> Hawaiian Electric’s free "Information Handbook for Emergency Preparedness" can be downloaded at emergencypreparedness.hawaiianelectric.com.