(Honolulu, HI, Tuesday, June 30, 2020) – This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts up to six tropical storms and hurricanes in the Central Pacific. With hurricane season here, it’s important for Hawaii residents to start preparing now, ahead of the next storm.

In addition to gathering emergency supplies and storing important documents in a safe place, one of the most important preparation steps ahead of a storm is to have flood insurance.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the country. And most homeowners and renters’ policies don’t cover flooding from storms. NOAA, FEMA, and its National Flood Insurance Program are joining forces to urge residents to prepare for hurricane season.

John Bravender, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, explains the importance of being prepared for hurricane season and the need for flood insurance.

SOUNDBITE #1:

EVEN THOUGH WE’RE PREDICTING A NEAR TO BELOW NORMAL CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE SEASON THIS YEAR, IT ONLY TAKES ONE STORM TO LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT FLOOD DAMAGE. JUST ONE INCH OF WATER CAN CAUSE MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. THAT’S WHY WE WANT RESIDENTS TO PREPARE NOW FOR HURRICANE SEASON. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS YOU CAN TAKE IS TO PURCHASE OR RENEW YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

IN ADDITION TO FLOOD INSURANCE, THERE ARE OTHER STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREPARE FOR PEAK HURRICANE SEASON. BE SURE TO GATHER BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLIES THAT LAST AT LEAST FOURTEEN DAYS INCLUDING FOOD, WATER, AND MEDICATION. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS OF VALUABLES, SUCH AS APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS. BY PREPARING BEFORE THE NEXT STORM, YOU’LL HAVE ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT.

For more information on flood insurance and preparedness tips ahead of peak hurricane season, visit FloodSmart.gov/Hawaii or call 877-336-2627.