Hurricane season is under way and the American Red Cross Hawaii State Chapter and Central Pacific Bank are teaming up to help Hawaii families with free Disaster Preparedness Seminars at nine Central Pacific Bank branches statewide during August and September.

Those who attend the seminars will learn about how to put together a family disaster plan and kit, what to do before and after a disaster, and disaster planning for small businesses. Red Cross disaster supplies and first aid kits will be available for purchase at the seminars.

The public is invited. Admission is free and seating is limited. For more information or to make a reservation, call (808)544-0500.

The Disaster Preparedness Seminars will be hosted at the following Central Pacific Bank branches on Oahu, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

• Thursday, August 14, Beretania Branch, 1338 S. Beretania St., Honolulu

• Wednesday, August 27, Mapunapuna Branch, 960 Mapunapuna St., Honolulu

• Wednesday, September 3, McCully Branch, 2002 S. King St., Honolulu

• Thursday, September 4, Pearl Highlands Branch, 1030 Makolu St., Pearl City

• Tuesday, September 16, Keeaumoku Branch, 818 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu

In addition, seminars are scheduled at the Central Pacific Bank Neighbor Island branches on:

• Tuesday, August 19, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Hilo Branch, 525 Kilauea Ave.

• Wednesday, August 20, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Kona Branch, 75-1010 Henry St.

• Wednesday, September 10 _ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Lihue Branch, 4364 Rice St.

• Thursday, September 11, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Kahului Branch, 85 W. Kaahumanu Ave.

Knowing that Hurricane Katrina hit in August, and that September is National Preparedness Month, the Hawaii Red Cross encourages everyone to attend the seminars. Adhering to preparedness guidelines could make a difference between life or death in the event of a disaster, even organizers said.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance for immediate emergency needs. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency but depends on public contributions to help others. To help the Red Cross assist victims of this and other local disasters, send a contribution to: American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road Honolulu, HI 96816.

To make a secure online donation, visit www.hawaiiredcross.org or call: (808) 739-8141.