FEMA Reminds Public to Get Flood Insurance During Hurricane Season

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) advise Hawaii residents to prepare now for hurricane-related storms and flooding as hurricane season approaches.

The 2020 Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted up to six tropical storms and hurricanes in the central Pacific Ocean.

“But remember, it only takes one storm to cause significant structural damage to your home or property,” a FEMA press release stated Friday. FEMA officials noted that most homeowners’ and renters’ policies typically do not cover flood damage.

When just one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage, the release states, flood insurance can be the difference between recovery and financial devastation. It can help cover the cost of flood damage from major incidents to just an inch of water.

“Where it can rain, it can flood,” says David Maurstad, senior executive of the NFIP. “One of the most important steps homeowners can take during the start of this year’s hurricane season is to renew or purchase flood insurance. With it, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your home can, and will, recover in the event of an unexpected flood.”

Insurance policies normally take 30 days to go into effect. For more information, visit FloodSmart.gov or call 877-336-2627.