With hurricane season underway, it’s best to be prepared. Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union understands how these devastating storms can cut off roadways and restrict access to everyday services. As the state’s oldest credit union, it is committed to helping residents be proactive and remain safe. In a previous article about preparing for hurricanes, Hawaii Tel Federal Credit Union offered several tips on securing financial records, updating insurance policies, and boosting savings accounts. Their experts share additional suggestions to help you get ready for an emergency.

3 More Credit Union Tips for Hurricane Season

Go Automatic

Consider having your paychecks deposited electronically into your checking account. If a hurricane strikes, mail service might be interrupted, which could delay the delivery of paper checks and keep you from accessing much-needed funds. You also can work with your credit union to arrange automatic online payments for electricity, water, and other vital utility bills.

Keep a Cash Stash

Store cash in a secure place in case power outages prevent you from using ATMs and other electric-powered financial resources. Estimate how much it would cost to rent a car and reserve a hotel room for a week if you need to evacuate your home. Have bills in a mix of small denominations in case change is not available. Also consider getting traveler’s checks — they’re offered in a range of denominations and are more secure to carry than cash because they can be replaced if they’re lost or stolen as long as you have your receipt.

Have Financial Options

Even if you have done all you can to prepare financially for a hurricane, you still could face an unexpected problem. You might need to stay at a hotel longer than expected, causing your funds to dwindle. Having access to money in this situation is crucial, so it’s good to have options. Financial transactions are easy with online banking, debit cards, and person-to-person online payments, but you need backup plans if those channels are unavailable. Consider other ways to access money, such as shared branching, investment cash-outs, and relatives.

Get an Emergency Account

An emergency account can be a lifesaver in the aftermath of a hurricane. It's similar to a Christmas club account in that it lets you save for a specific purpose: a crisis. You can open an emergency account with trusted relatives or friends who live outside your area, with everyone contributing the same amount of money. In the event of a disaster, the others could release funds to you. You can access the account online to monitor transactions.

Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union is the premier financial institution for all your monetary needs, including online banking and mortgage loans, and they want to arm you with the knowledge to handle hurricane season. To learn more about their services and find your nearest location, visit them online or call them on Oahu at (808) 832-8700 or toll-free at (800) 272-5255. Follow the credit union on Twitter for additional tips and news.