Staying Safe
Introduction
Safety must be a concern whenever one travels. Alas, this is true even (and, in some instances, especially) on Maui. Below are a few thoughts about safety during your visit to Maui.
Check the Maui County Alert Center Web Page
The Alert Center web page reports on unusual weather conditions, surf conditions, and other potentially hazardous events. The Maui County Emergency Management Agency web page has links to other sites and emergency prepardness information.
At the Beach
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Sunburn
You have been warned dozens of times, but the sun in Hawai'i is stronger than you might suspect. Even under a beach umbrella you are not fully safe: the sand seems to reflect more of the ultravoilet rays than other places (or perhaps that's a result of the angle of the sun). In any case, UV-blocking clothing, hats, and broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 are pretty much requirements - particularly for childern. -
Theft and Loss and Damage
Accidental or otherwise, loss of personal items is all too common at the beach. Avoid taking any valuables - particularly jewelry and expensive watches - with you. Consider not taking your phone (leave it in the *locked* car or the condo) unless you really must have it with you. Phones are easy to lose, easy to damage with sand or water, and attractive to thieves. Remember that the beach does not have a lost-and-found department. -
Ocean Safety
Shark attacks get the press but they are quite infrequent (less than once a year, on average, over the last 100 years in Hawai'i). Jellyfish stings are, on the other hand, relatively common - look for warning posters at beach parks and stories on the local TV news. Tsunamis, as with sharks, get the attention (news and sirens will let you know of a pending tsunami) but the prosaic undertow probably is a greater hazard - check the area, signs, and tide tables to know if swimming could put you at special risk.
In the Condo
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Lock the door!
Remember that the entry lock does not automatically lock after entry or exit - you must do that. While in the unit, use the deadbolt or chain lock for an added measure of security (unless you are traveling with others that expect to be able to enter the unit). Of course, entry through an unlocked (or open) lanai door is possible, too, so close and lock the lania door when not in the unit and at night. Some windows may also be points of entry. -
Weather
Hawai'i can have extreme weather (downpours are not uncommon and severe windstroms happen several times a year). Fortunately, bad weather is infrequent and typically of short duration - check the local news to be informed. -
Fire
Fire is a concern everywhere. There is a fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink for small, in-unit fires. You can find posted evacuation paths at most resorts but it would be best to take a moment to identify escape routes - especially to identify an alternative if the "out the entry door" path is blocked (hint: think about the lanai straight out to the resort grounds or to get to an adjacent unit's lanai). -
Electricity
Maui Electric doesn't have unusual problems with reliablity - but there is still the occassional power outage. You will find a rechargeable flashlight in the unit if the outage occurs at night. An outage can be reported to Maui Electric at 808-871-7777. -
Water Leaks
Most Kihei resorts were built 30 or more years ago. The plumbing is aging. If you notice water 'appearing' where it shouldn't be - particularly around the water heater or bathroom fixtures - let us know immediately; water leaks don't fix themselves - they can go from minor to catastrophic relatively quickly so it is important to deal with them promptly.
Traveling
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Driving
The road speed limits on Maui are not especially high. But driving on Maui can give new meaning to the term distracted driving: sights to see, unfamiliar roads, poor signage, a rental car. Further, you're surrounded by a high percentage of drivers subject to those same challenges or worse (language issues, driving experience, and driving conventions). Extra care, attention, and awareness during driving is always called for in Hawai'i. -
Breakdowns and Accidents
You should ask your personal insurance provider about coverage of rental vehicles - most policies are pretty reasonable. Further, major credit cards provide some deductible coverage when used to rent vehicles for personal purposes; check the terms because there may be some steps you must take to put that coverage in place and there will be specific requirements to exercise that coverage should you be in an accident. Be sure to discuss roadside service with your car rental company. Most rental companies have a phone number to call should a breakdown or accident occur. -
Theft
Even a quick stop for a rest break, a bite to eat, or a sight to see can present an opportunity to the unscrupulous. Always lock your vehicle, keeping your valuables out of sight, and protect your belongings as best you can. Since there are lots of opportunities for the bad guys, making your things just a bit harder than others can be sufficient.
Activities
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Exertion
Swimming, bicycling, and hiking are physically stressful. Activities at high altitudes increase bodily stress. Be sure you are physically able to participate in the activity at hand, that you will not get overheated (or chilled), and that you are sufficiently hydrated. -
Sunburn
The ships used for water activities (and being on the water itself!) may have few if any shaded spots. Cross country activities - especially at Haleakala's altitude - can have serious UV exposure. As with the beach, preparing for activities should include protection against the sun's rays. -
Theft or Loss or Damage
Sorry to be repetitive but loss of personal items while on arranged or impromptu activities is also a problem. Stopping for even a moment at a roadside waterfall or lookout point should still be done with care to avoid making your party a target for a theif.
Sheeler Shelters LLC
Copyright 2017
< 2017-05-09 >