Hurricane Home Safety

Did you know that hurricane insurance is only WIND insurance? It does not cover damages due to flooding. Be sure to check whether or not you are in a flood zone requiring mandatory flood insurance. Flood insurance is also a good idea to have. This can help protect you from the water damage caused by a hurricane. Water damage can be expansive in a hurricane, but also in other events such as tropical storms or tsunamis. BOTH hurricane and flood insurance are important items to consider when preparing for a hurricane in Hawaii.

2. Annual Hurricane Safety Checkup & Hurricane Plan with Your Family

Last, but not least, we would recommend an annual checkup for hurricane safety. Put this on your calendar and do it every year before the start of hurricane season. Start at the top of the list and ensure that your insurance is adequate, check your home and supplies, update your videos, get your documents in order. Make sure your family members understand and are familiar with your hurricane disaster plan. Know how you will communicate and meet up, as well.

3. Hurricane Ties/Straps/Clips for Your House

Hurricane ties, clips, or straps are relatively inexpensive metal brackets. When properly installed, hurricane straps tie your roof to the supporting framing members of your home and help distribute the stress to the roof and framing members from a hurricane. Hurricane ties are best installed by licensed contractors.

Most modern homes are built with hurricane ties, as this is now part of the building code. However, it is wise to check your building plans to make sure. Older homes may not have hurricane ties. Having a licensed contractor examine your home for soundness and safety, before a hurricane, is an essential element to preparing for a hurricane in Hawaii.


 4. Declutter Your Yard & Garage, Trim Your Trees

It is recommended to remove lawn/Deck/Lanai/Patio furniture, potted plants, decor, patio umbrellas, etc. that may become projectiles which break and fly through your windows. These can harm both people and property. You are advised to bring these items inside where they won’t cause harm. But do you have room for all these items?

Consider getting rid of unused items and old junk that may be in your yard before hurricane season or now, if you haven’t already. At the same time, declutter your shed, garage or carport, so that you have room to put all these items when preparing for a hurricane in Hawaii.

5. Pre-Cut and Store Lumber to Board up Windows & Inspect Your House

Don’t rush out to buy lumber, and hunt for your saw and other tools the day before a hurricane is coming! Have lumber to cover your windows prepared in advance. Measure and cut lumber to cover your windows prior to the hurricane warning and have the fasteners ready with your hurricane supplies. If you are not handy, have a contractor or handyman do this for you.

While you are at this, inspect your home for clogged drains and gutters, drainage issues, loose roof shingles, and other safety and maintenance items which may impact you in a hurricane. A contractor or home inspection can help with this.

6. Figure Out a Water Storage Plan When Preparing for a Hurricane in Hawaii

Don’t run out and buy cases of bottled water (unless that is your only alternative). It is not only expensive, but the bottles are harmful to the environment. Plan ahead and use water from the tap. Hawaii water is safe to drink from the tap and is important in preparing for a hurricane in Hawaii.

If you have room in your freezer, bag water and freeze. Don’t fill too full! One friend suggested laying them flat and separating layers of water bags with cookie sheets. Use these in your fridge or cooler, if the power goes off. You can also drink the water when it melts.

7. Prepare and Safeguard Your Important Documents

Gather important documents you might need. Place them in a waterproof and air-tight bag. If you don’t already have a waterproof and fireproof safe, consider one for important items, you may not want to take with you. Consider scanning and putting copies of these important documents in the Cloud. If you can encrypt these documents, to help protect against identity theft, all the better. 

8. Video Your Home and Belongings

Take videos and/or photos of your home, your yard, and your belongings. Document the condition of your home prior to the hurricane. Update this annually. Upload this to the cloud. In the event of a loss, it will be easier to prepare and prove your claim.

9. Designate a Safe Room in Your Home

Ideally, every Hawaii home would have its own high-tech panic room to help with preparing for a hurricane in Hawaii. Try to select a safe room that is in the interior of your house with no or minimal glass doors or windows. Have a contractor go through your house with you, if you are unsure, and try to locate the most structurally sound room. Consider retrofitting a room, if you are able to do so. Your safe room may be your CMU laundry room or maybe your bathroom or a closet.

Ideally, you will have a room that has some storage space for supplies and that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your family and your pets. Bathrooms are ideal in that they have both a toilet and a water supply. Bring your water and hurricane supplies in with you. If a hurricane is coming and you are told to shelter in place, this is the room you should be in when it hits. Please note that you may be very unsafe in a “safe room” if you are in a flood zone. Please follow the instructions of emergency management professionals, for your specific location, and evacuate or shelter in place as instructed.

10. Pack a Hurricane/Emergency “To Go Bag”

In the event you must evacuate in preparation for a hurricane in Hawaii, you should have a “To Go Bag” packed and ready. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has prepared a suggested checklist for this, which includes items such as flashlights, batteries, food, water, first aid supplies, important documents, hygiene supplies, etc. You should find the lightest weight (but sturdy) bag possible, and also, consider rolling storage for these items, since you will need to carry them, and food and water can be heavy. A waterproof bag would not be a bad idea either.