Prepping an emergency hurricane kit? It will probably cost you more this year

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The price of your emergency hurricane kit is pricier this year.

That’s thanks to inflation for all sorts of goods.

And local retailers say they’re trying to keep prices down as much as they can.

“Where we’ve had to, we’ve had to eat essentially the rising costs because we don’t want to pass that on to our customers,” says Shannan Okinishi, of City Mill.

The chain has dialed up its emergency preparedness messaging as the hurricane season nears.

“The best possible thing you can is be prepared and that means having, following Red Cross guidelines, having enough water and food supply, also having first aid kits, medication, things for your pets so the preparedness part of it is really important,” said Okinishi.

Residents like Debbie Castillo say preparing in advance helps put her mind at ease.

For preparedness tips and more, go the HNN Hurricane Center.

“I always keep cases of water ... canned goods available and gas stoves,” she said.

Debbie says aside from keeping her shelves stocked, she and her husband do an inspection of their home in advance to prepare for the what-ifs.

“We’re always ready, I always make sure that we are ready,” she says.

While hurricanes are unpredictable, emergency management officials say being prepared is the best defense you have when stormy weather hits.

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