Staying Safe During Hurricane Season

Did you know that hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June 1 to November 30? You and your family can prepare yourself for the potential impacts of a natural disaster – both in your home and in your finances.

There are several types of natural disasters that we, living in Hawaii, are especially at risk of – hurricanes, tsunamis and lava flows on Hawaii Island. We have a few go-to tips for you to keep you, your family and your finances safe during a natural disaster. Being proactive is key to being prepared – from stocking up supplies to having access to your accounts, keeping your records and belongings safe, and creating an emergency fund.

Prepare Your Household

The Hawaii State Emergency Management Agency recommends having a supply that will allow you and your household to sustain yourself for at least two weeks. This includes items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, candles/lanterns, toilet paper, batteries and clothes, among other essentials. Make sure all of your supplies are in a “go bag.” Just as important is making sure that you have your log-ins to your bank accounts in case you need to access your accounts.

Emergency Management recommends that at home, you can also consider unplugging electrical appliances and turning your refrigerator/freezer to the coldest setting in case power goes out. Outside your home, tie down or store loose objects, bring your potted plants inside, remove and store outdoor furniture and cover windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials.

Given the current global pandemic, make sure you are stocked up on essential medications, face cloth coverings, disinfecting supplies and hand sanitizer in case you need to evacuate.

Keep Your Documents Safe

Something that’s often overlooked is safekeeping of your important documents, such as your birth certificate, social security card and insurance coverage. Make sure these items are stowed safely, such as in a floor or fire-proof safe so that you have peace of mind during an emergency. We also recommend maintaining an updated emergency contact list, which might include family members, your financial institutions, lawyer, mortgage company and insurance agent in case services are needed during a natural disaster.

Have an Emergency Fund

Something you can do quickly and easily today is set up an emergency fund. This will give you peace of mind when preparing for the unexpected, serving as a safety net in case something happens. You can open a savings account dedicated to your emergency fund and set it up so that you automatically transfer a certain amount into your fund every month. You can easily set this up at one of our branches across the state, or learn more by using our online Make an Appointment tool to schedule a phone appointment with a branch from the comfort of your own home.

We hope these natural disaster preparedness tips help you to stay safe during hurricane season, and throughout the year. For more information, visit https://www.asbhawaii.com/emergency-updates.