(Honolulu, HI, Friday, August 5, 2022) – With peak Pacific hurricane season approaching, it’s vital for residents of Hawaii to remain vigilant in order to protect their homes and families against flooding. Hawaii was fortunate to experience a relatively calm hurricane season last year, but residents shouldn’t let their guard down in 2022.

Having a flood insurance policy is the best way for residents to protect their homes when flooding occurs. Just one inch of water can cause roughly $25,000 dollars in damage, and most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage.

Hawaii Governor David Ige and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Director Luke Meyers explain what Hawaii residents can do now to ensure they’re covered this hurricane season.

SOUNDBITE #1:

ALOHA! THIS IS GOVERNOR DAVID IGE. DID YOU KNOW THAT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE WON’T COVER THE COST OF DAMAGES FROM FLOODING? THAT’S WHERE FLOOD INSURANCE COMES IN. YOU CAN’T STOP A HURRICANE BUT YOU CAN TAKE STEPS NOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY.

SOUNDBITE #2:

ALOHA! I’M LUKE MYERS. ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY. ARE YOU READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON? THIS IS A SEASON OF HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS AND THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY JUST AN INCH OF FLOOD WATER IN YOUR HOME WILL COST A LOT TO FIX. FLOOD INSURANCE WILL HELP YOU REPAIR FASTER. PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.

For more information visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/Hawaii