1. Stock Your Emergency Kit
Begin with water (at least one gallon per person per day, more for hot climates), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Add medications and comfort items for kids as your budget allows. Buying basic disaster supplies now helps you avoid the price gouging that might happen when storms approach.
2. Build Your Financial Shelter
Start a disaster emergency fund that covers two months of expenses and keep it in an easily accessible savings account. While you’re building this fund, set aside enough cash for three days of food, gas, and essentials for your household. The exact amount varies by family, but $200 to $500 in small denominations is usually enough. Either way, don’t let the savings target prevent you from starting your fund.
3. Enroll in Digital Banking
When disaster strikes and physical branches or roadways become inaccessible, digital banking remains a crucial lifeline. It allows you to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and communicate securely with your financial institution from anywhere with internet access. Even if you normally prefer in-person banking, setting up and regularly using digital banking as part of your preparedness plan helps ensure uninterrupted control over your finances during emergencies.
Log in to your digital banking account at least once per month. This keeps your credentials active (for security reasons, some institutions disable access after six months without a login).
4. Secure Your Important Documents and Insurance
Store copies of insurance policies, bank information, government-issued IDs, and medical records in waterproof containers and upload backup copies to a trusted cloud storage. Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance now to understand what’s actually covered. Many people discover too late that standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance does not cover flood damage. You may need a separate flood policy, often available through the National Flood Insurance Program.
5. Create Your Family Communication Plan
Designate an out-of-state contact person as your central communication hub since local phone lines might get overwhelmed. Long-distance calls should still work. Program all emergency numbers into every family member’s phone and keep written copies in your wallets and car.
Also agree on at least two meeting places in case your family gets separated. Choose one near your home (like a neighbor’s house or local landmark) and one farther away, such as a designated American Red Cross shelter or other safe public building in your community. If phone or internet service is completely down, these locations become your go-to reunification points.
6. Map Your Escape Routes
Plan at least two different routes from your home, work, and kids’ schools. Drive these routes during different times so you know what traffic looks like. Keep physical maps in your car in case GPS or cell service is disrupted.
7. Stay Connected to Early Warnings
Sign up for local emergency alerts and download weather apps for real-time updates. Follow local emergency management on all of their social media channels. The earlier you know what’s coming, the more money you save by avoiding last-minute hotel and supply rushes.
8. Practice and Update Regularly
Run family drills twice a year and time how long it takes to grab essentials and evacuate. Update your plans, contact lists, and supply inventory every six months as your family’s needs change. For example, new household members or recently diagnosed health conditions can affect your emergency strategy. You might also wish to add these items to your to-do list:
- Test your weather radio monthly to make sure batteries work
- Check expiration dates on emergency food and water supplies to avoid waste
- Keep a separate car emergency kit for highway breakdowns
When you’re prepared, you can focus on keeping your family safe instead of scrambling for basics. Support your emergency readiness plan by exploring financial protection and emergency savings options with HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union.
