Hawaii

ARE YOU PREPARED? Hawaii’s Hurricane Season is June through November.

The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as the devastating tornados and flooding in the U.S., are stark reminders of the life-changing damage that natural disasters can cause. While we cannot prevent these catastrophes from happening, we can take steps to be as prepared for them as possible.

If disaster stuck today, would you and your family be ready? Surviving and recovering from a major disaster will depend in large part on being prepared. Whatever the disaster -earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, flood, wildfire- developing a family disaster plan and survival kit will increase your odds of survival.

Hawaii’s hurricane season runs from June through November, which means all the islands of Hawaii face and increased likelihood of being impacted by tropical storms or hurricanes. The destructive force of a hurricane should never be taken lightly. Here are some plans you can make and steps you can take to help protect your property, and even save lives.

PREPARE

Develop a family disaster plan.

• Know the disaster plan of your workplace, children’s schools, or day care.
• Determine the location of an emergency meeting place(s) and a family communication plan.
• Fill vehicle fuel tanks at least half full.
• Designate an out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact.

Put together a portable disaster survival kit that will cover your family’s needs for at least 3 to 7 days.

• Water – one gallon per day for each family member
• Nonperishable food items, manual can opener, utensils
• Portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries (or hand-crank rechargeable batteries)
• First aid kit, prescription medications, personal hygiene items
• Blankets, towels, waterproof plastic sheeting or blue tarp with string or rope
• Cash and important documents in plastic bags

Because the number of shelters is limited, plan to use a shelter as a last resort. A better alternative is to strengthen your home or go to a friend’s or relative’s home that is more storm-resistant. Strengthen your home by reinforcing these important areas:

• For the best protection, install impact-resistant permanent shutters that meet state building code approved standards. You can also install permanent fasteners so protective panels, such as plywood, can be quickly put in place. Plywood should be at least ¾” thick.
• Consider installing hurricane-resistant entry doors. All entry doors should have three hinges and dead bolt lock with at least a one-inch bolt throw length. Door framing should be securely anchored to the wall structure using fasteners that are at least 3 inches long. If you have double-entry doors, secure the inactive door with head and foot bolts that extend through the door header and into the subfloor. Patio doors should be made of tempered glass. Shuttering doors offers extra protection.
• Think about installing a hurricane-resistant garage door, or have a steel bracing kit installed to help support the door against wind pressure. You can also protect your garage door with a shutter or screen rated for wind pressure and debris impact.
• Hurricane-force winds can cause shingles to peel off, especially if edge shingles are not well secured or the adhesive on their tabs has failed. A roofing professional can evaluate your roof, and, if needed, additional roofing cement can be added under each tab to help keep the shingles attached during a high wind event.
• Seal any cracks or holes where cables, pipes, or wires enter the home with caulk.
• Before a hurricane strikes, move garbage cans, patio furniture, grills, and other potentially wind-borne objects inside your home or garage. Consider replacing gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark.
• Stay in the middle of your home away from windows. Try to take cover under a staircase or heavy piece of furniture.

When it’s safe to do so, take these steps when cleaning up your property and repairing damage:

• To dry out your building, remove only wet drywall, baseboards, carpets and pads. Keep samples of any carpets that are removed. Leave your home as well ventilated as possible. You should also dispose of damaged property that could be a health hazard or may hamper local clean-up efforts.
• Do not make any repairs other than emergency, temporary repairs until you discuss your claim with your State Farm agent or Claim Representative.
• Be sure to document items that you throw out. You can do this by photographing the items room by room.
• Take all valuables such as jewelry to a safe place to avoid theft.
• To prevent corrosion, dry any metal objects such as home appliances and drapery rods, then rub or spray with appropriate cleaning solution.
• Dry, but don’t oil radios, televisions, and other electric devices. Any electric equipment exposed to water should be professionally serviced before use.
• Hire only reputable, licensed contractors. Review any contract terms carefully before you sign.

To help settle your claim, make a room-by-room photographic inventory of your damaged property. Call your State Farm agent or 1-800-SF CLAIM right away. State Farm has one of the world’s largest professional claim networks, so we can settle your claim promptly and fairly.