DCCA provides resources to prepare for severe weather

With severe weather expected to hit the islands starting Wednesday night, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is urging people to prepare. 

The department sent a news release with resources and information on how to safeguard property, ensure continued utility services, understand insurance coverage, avoid scams, and navigate the disaster recovery process.

“Taking steps to prepare now can make all the difference in the aftermath of a disaster,” shares DCCA Director Nadine Ando in a statement. “Whether it’s preparing your property, understanding your insurance, or protecting yourself from fraud, DCCA is here to help our community stay safe and recover quickly.”

Key Emergency Preparedness Tips:

1. Preparing Homes and Businesses for Disasters

• Create an Emergency Plan: Establish clear evacuation routes, designating safe areas for family members or employees. Ensure everyone knows the plan and conduct practice drills regularly.
• Secure Property: Reinforce windows and doors, check roofing and siding for potential vulnerabilities, and secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles.
• Emergency Kits: Stock essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, cash, and any special items required by family members or staff.
• Prepare for Business Disruption: Businesses should develop continuity plans, back up important data, and ensure essential services can be maintained during and after a disaster.

2. Utility Emergency Preparedness

• Sign Up for Crucial Updates: Register for utility provider notifications to receive alerts about service disruptions, outages and updates during emergencies. Sign up for notices via Hawaiian Electric or KIUC.
• Keep the Lights On: Consider investing in backup power sources like generators or solar-powered systems to maintain key operations during service outages.
• Stay Safe: Keep gas, water and electrical systems well-maintained, and learn how to shut off utilities in case of a leak or other emergency. Report a power outage or potential safety issues via Hawaiian Electric’s website or KIUC’s Line Safety or Outage Center webpages. 
• Stay Informed: To learn more about public utilities and utility preparedness, please visit the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy.

3. Understanding Insurance Coverage for Disasters

• Review Your Insurance Policy: Ensure that your home and business insurance policies cover common disaster-related risks, including floods, fires and hurricanes. Standard policies may not cover all types of damage.
• Document Property: Take an inventory of your belongings and keep photos and/or videos of property, valuables and important documents in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• Know Your Deductibles and Coverage Limits: Be aware of your policy’s terms, including any exclusions or specific disaster-related deductibles.
• Seek Input or Assistance: The DCCA Insurance Division can help you understand the claims process and provide assistance with other insurance questions.
• Stay Informed: To learn more about Insurance, please visit the DCCA Insurance Division.

4. Identifying Disaster-Related Consumer Scams

• Be Cautious of Fraud: Scammers often exploit disasters to prey on vulnerable consumers. Common scams include fake contractors, charity fraud and phishing emails or texts offering government assistance.
• Check Credentials: When doing repairs on your property, always hire licensed and insured contractors, and never pay for services up front. Report suspicious activities to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office.
• Verify Charity Solicitations: Before donating to disaster relief efforts, ensure that the charity is legitimate. Use resources like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator to check organizations’ credibility.
• Stay Informed: To learn more about consumer protection, please visit the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection.

5. Disaster Recovery Resources for Homeowners and Business Owners

• For Homeowners: FEMA and other government agencies offer financial assistance for home repairs, temporary housing and disaster-related expenses. Visit FEMA’s website for more information.
• For Business Owners: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses recover from physical damage and economic losses. Visit SBA’s website for more information.
• Stay Informed: To learn more about disaster recovery loans and financial assistance, please visit the DCCA Division of Financial Institutions.