Did you know that in Hawai'i there are 122 regulated dams?
Knowing if you live near a dam is critical for safety because, while rare, dam failures or sudden, necessary releases can cause rapid, violent, and devastating downstream flooding. Understanding this risk allows you to identify inundation zones, prepare emergency plans, obtain proper insurance, and receive timely warnings, potentially saving lives.
Visit the Hawai'i Dam Safety website at dams.hawaii.gov
Once on the webpage (picture above):
Click on “GIS Map” to find a dam near your house. Locate your home on the map and if you’re near a dam, note the name of the dam (i.e. OA-0154 NUUANU RESERVOIR NO.1)
Navigate back to the home page and click on “Find a Dam” to find out if your home is located in a dam evacuation area. Select the island of interest, then click on the name of the dam. Once the webpage for the subject dam is opened, select “EVACUATION MAP” button located in the left side navigation bar.
For more information on living near a dam, navigate back to the home page and select “Learning and Resources” to review the “Living Near Dams” booklet.
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