HONOLULU – First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) is observing National Preparedness Month in September by urging Hawaii residents to prepare for the unexpected.
Unlike natural disasters, which can hit anywhere anytime, emergency preparedness is something over which residents have a measure of control. First Insurance urges residents to take steps now to prepare their families for an emergency because right before a storm is too late.
Hawaii is susceptible to several types of natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, and wildfires. With natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, residents need to prepare their families for the unpredictable consequences of natural disasters now more than ever. Everyone needs an emergency plan, an inventory of personal property and an insurance review.
Established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2004, National Preparedness Month encourages all residents to prepare an emergency plan. Having one will bolster your individual resilience and community response statewide. Visit Make A Plan | Ready.gov and the American Red Cross website for tips on how to start your plan.
Part of your plan should include an updated inventory of all the valuables you own. This will help speed up the claims process and get every penny you’re covered for. Attached is a home inventory checklist to help you get started. There are also a variety of mobile apps that make it easy and straightforward to catalog your belongings electronically.
For more information on properly covering your home against natural disasters, and on the critical differences between homeowners, flood, and hurricane insurance, talk to your independent agent or visit https://www.ficoh.com/.
About First Insurance Company of Hawaii
Founded in 1911, and celebrating its 111th anniversary this year, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. is the oldest and largest property and casualty insurer domiciled in Hawaii, with assets of $677 million, liabilities of $423.7 million, and policyholders’ surplus of $253.3 million as of December 31, 2021.
First Insurance, a member of the Tokio Marine North America (TMNA) group of companies, enjoys an “A+” rating from A.M. Best Co. Proud of its broadly experienced, service-oriented staff, First Insurance employs 300 insurance professionals and distributes its products through 27 independent general agencies. First Insurance was awarded the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Gold Achievement for 2020. In 2021, First Insurance was named Hawaii’s number one Best Places to Work in the "large company" category by Hawaii Business magazine.
First Insurance supports many local organizations through monetary donations made at the corporate level, by its associates and the First Insurance Foundation. Its charitable giving focuses on four areas: 1) family, social services and health care; 2) education and career development; 3) environment and sustainability; and 4) civic, culture and the arts.