(BIVN) – A free natural hazard preparedness workshop was held Friday evening at E.B. De Silva School cafeteria in Hilo.

Sponsored by State Representative Mark Nakashima, the event helped local families learn how to prepare their home for the 2017 hurricane season.

The region around Hawaii has been quiet so far in June. Climate conditions point to a near to above-normal hurricane season in the Central Pacific basin, forecasters say.

Speakers at the Friday event included official representatives from the National Weather Service, Hawaii County Civil Defense, and Hawaii Red Cross. They presented a wealth of information as to what residents should do when a hurricane or tsunami warning comes their way, especially what can be done ahead of time.

PART TWO: Hurricane insurance information and ways to retrofit your home to be more hurricane resilient

Another workshop was scheduled for Saturday morning at Honokaa Intermediate and High School.