As our recent run-in with severe weather illustrates, disasters can strike at any time.

The slow-moving “Kona Low” weather system that impacted us early last week dumped more than 20 inches of rain on areas of Hawaii — at as much as three inches an hour!

The storm set new rainfall records across the state and caused widespread flooding, power outages, landslides and damage.

Maui County residents who experienced significant damage from the recent “Kona Low” storm are urged to document and report damages using the online form available at www.mauicounty.gov.

This information will help the Maui Emergency Management Agency to complete a damage assessment for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to determine if the State of Hawaii warrants a Presidential Emergency Declaration of Emergency.

Such a declaration is needed to receive federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the recent severe weather and flooding.

“We know that Kula, Kihei and East Maui were greatly impacted by the recent weather system, and other areas were affected, too,” said Mayor Michael Victorino.

“Reporting damages online can help Hawaii to get needed FEMA funding to assist individuals as well as public assistance for infrastructure damage.”

Call the Maui Emergency Management Agency at 270-7285 with questions about reporting weather-related damage.

And since this is just the beginning of winter, take the time to identify hazards in your area, develop an emergency plan, create a “Go Kit” for your ‘ohana and sign up for free county alerts that will pop up on your cell phone.

For more information, visit ready.hawaii.gov.