Tsunami Alerts Highlight an Overlooked Risk: HVAC and Refrigeration Vulnerability Along Hawaii’s Coast

When the tsunami alert went out across Hawaii on July 30, 2025, it was a chilling reminder of just how vulnerable our islands—and especially our shoreline businesses—can be. Although the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that triggered the alert didn’t cause a major wave to hit, minor flooding did occur in some coastal areas. And while we were fortunate this time, the near-miss should serve as a warning to restaurants, vacation rentals, and other businesses near the shoreline: when it comes to floods, even a few feet of water can wreak havoc on critical infrastructure—especially refrigeration and HVAC systems.

These systems are the unsung heroes of your operations. They keep food safe, guests comfortable, and indoor air clean. But they're also incredibly vulnerable to water damage—especially if they’re installed at or below ground level. So the real question is: if the next tsunami doesn’t miss us, will your systems survive?

The Overlooked Flood Risk: Refrigeration and HVAC Systems

When we talk about flood damage, most people picture ruined furniture, soaked drywall, or electrical outages. But for restaurants and rental properties, one of the most expensive and disruptive losses can be the failure of refrigeration and HVAC systems. These units often sit outside, at ground level, or in basements—making them easy targets when floodwaters rise.

A few inches of saltwater can short out electrical components, cause corrosion, contaminate ductwork, and even dislodge outdoor units entirely. For walk-in freezers and commercial refrigeration, even brief exposure can lead to food spoilage and thousands of dollars in losses—not to mention potential health code violations.

Indoor air handling units aren’t safe either. Once ductwork or insulation is exposed to floodwaters, mold growth becomes almost inevitable, forcing full replacement of affected sections. Restarting a flooded unit without proper inspection can pose safety hazards and may permanently damage the system.

Why “It Didn’t Hit This Time” Isn’t a Strategy

Let’s be honest—Hawaii got lucky. But relying on luck isn’t a business plan. In a state where ocean surges, king tides, and tsunami alerts are part of life, every shoreline property owner should take steps now to protect their cooling infrastructure from future events.

Waiting until after a flood to react could mean:

• Weeks (or months) of downtime

  
  

• Full equipment replacements

  
  

• Spoiled inventory

  
  

• Lost bookings

  
  

• Insurance disputes

What Can Be Done Now—Before the Next Wave Hits

The good news? With the right upgrades and planning, the worst-case scenario can often be avoided. Here are some of the most effective ways we help coastal businesses protect their refrigeration and HVAC systems:

Elevation and Relocation

If your outdoor condensers or compressors are installed at ground level, they’re in the danger zone. We can help elevate them on platforms or relocate them to higher floors or rooftops—keeping them above expected flood levels (known as Design Flood Elevation, or DFE).

Flood-Proof Enclosures

For units that can’t be relocated, waterproof barriers or sealed enclosures can help block water intrusion. We also install drainage solutions and backflow preventers to keep systems dry during storm surges or tsunami flooding.

Corrosion-Resistant Equipment

Some modern HVAC and refrigeration units are built with salt-air environments in mind. We offer options with anti-corrosion coatings, sealed electricals, and weather-resistant components to extend the life of your equipment even in Hawaii’s harsh climate.

Emergency Readiness and Restart Support

We work with clients to develop shutdown and restart procedures, including emergency power cutoffs and inspection protocols. After an event, we can dispatch technicians for quick assessments and repairs—so you’re not left guessing whether your systems are safe to use.

How We Can Help You Get Ahead of the Next Flood

At Alltemp, we specialize in HVAC and refrigeration systems tailored to Hawaii’s unique challenges—including flood mitigation for shoreline businesses. Whether you're operating a beachside café, a multi-unit rental property, or a luxury resort, we can:

• Conduct a flood risk assessment of your current setup
  

• Recommend and install elevated or flood-resistant systems
  

• Retrofit older units to meet new FEMA and local standards
  

• Provide emergency support and rapid post-event inspections
  

A Final Word: Preparedness Is Profit Protection

Flood damage doesn’t just mean equipment loss—it means operational downtime, revenue gaps, and customer disappointment. The recent tsunami alert was a reminder, not a disaster. But the next event might not be so forgiving.

Now is the time to act—not when the sirens start blaring.

Let’s talk about how we can protect your cooling systems before the next wave hits.

Schedule a site assessment today.