Updated at 7:45 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2007
Hurricane season around the corner
Advertiser Staff
The Pacific hurricane season officially starts June 1, but that doesn't mean one couldn't happen earlier.Residents are reminded to prepare for the season by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Some steps you can take:
1) Prepare for the worst: Make an emergency kit and prepare an evacuation plan.
2) Take inventory of your property: Photos help, and make sure your important documents are in a safe location.
3) Review your insurance coverage: Know what is excluded and if you should get more coverage.
4) If disaster strikes your home: Call your agent as soon as possible; make sure you complete all necessary forms; if a settlement is offered, ask for itemization; if you believe you haven't been treated, contact the Insurance Division.
For detailed information on preparing for a hurricane, contact the State Hawaii Insurance Division at http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ins/ or call 586-2790.
In addition, the state is offering financial aid to residents who are protecting their homes against hurricane damage. You may be eligible to receive 35 percent of the cost of installing wind resistive devices. For details, go to hurricaneretrofits.hawaii.gov or call 265-3703 or 265-4211.
