(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has placed a Fire Weather Watch for the leeward areas of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Electric company says it will monitor the situation for wildfire risk.

Dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could combine to create critical fire conditions through Friday.

Northeasterly to easterly winds of 20 to 30 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 50 mph, while relative humidity could be as low as 40 to 50 percent. A red flag warning is possible.

Hawaiian Electric says it will monitor these potential fire conditions across the state, and if necessary, the company may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to proactively turn off power in communities at high risk of wildfire.

“Based on current NWS forecasts, a PSPS will likely not be necessary until Friday, November 15, and Hawaiian Electric will provide updates on its assessment of the situation before then,” the utility said.

Hawaiian Electric also provided the following tips on how to prepare:

• Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, backup generators, battery-powered radios (hand crank or solar), light sticks and lanterns to make sure they work, and purchase extra batteries.
• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand so you can listen for updates on weather conditions and possible PSPS activation.
• If someone in your home relies on electrically powered life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup supplies. Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency care, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you to the facility.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outdoors and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
• Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. If the power goes out, the food stays fresh longer.
• Turn off and unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. If a fault occurs, damage to the equipment due to voltage surges is prevented when power is restored.
• Don’t venture out after dark as you may not see a downed power line which could be live and dangerous; avoid stagnant water and dirt.
• If you see a defective power line, assume it is live and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away. For emergency assistance, call 911.

The Hawaiian Electric Trouble Line for the Island of Hawaii is (808) 969-6666.