CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan -- Typhoon Songda struck Okinawa with sustained winds at 109 knots and 136-knot gusts on the evening of May 28. 

This year’s first typhoon, which took place just days before typhoon season began, caused damage throughout the island; however, the amount of damage was reduced by proper preparation efforts, according to Mike Lacey, the regional installation emergency manager to Marine Corps base Camp Butler.

While damage assessments are still ongoing, the estimated damage to government and personal property are expected to remain low, added Lacey.

The Marine Corps Base Claims Office aims to make post-typhoon claims as easy as possible for those who received damage to personal property.

Personal property claims can be filed for property damaged in a typhoon, but the claims process requires damage to be substantiated with proof that appropriate action was taken to minimize risk. Once outside personal property is appropriately secured, take a few pictures to support any future claims.

Also, do not throw away any damaged items until authorized to do so by claims personnel.

The following are examples of some of the most common items damaged by storms. This is not an exhaustive list.

Sheds, trampolines, swing sets, etc: these items must be properly secured. Most storage sheds in use on Okinawa tend to maintain their support directly from the roof. When the roof gets ripped off during high winds, the rest of the shed tears apart because it has lost its main support. Place sand bags on the top and tie rope around the walls of sheds to maintain the structure of the shed and keep it in one piece. Turn trampolines over and place sand bags on the canvas to secure them. Swing sets should be tied down.
Shed Contents: The only items that should be placed in storage sheds are common outdoor items, such as bicycles, lawn mowers, weed eaters, gas cans, etc. Certain items such as lawn chairs, lawn ornaments and small items should be removed from sheds and brought inside.
Pools: Canvas-type pools should be stored inside. Durable plastic-type pools should be drained with sand bags placed inside.
Grills: Grills should be taken inside. Propane gas tanks are likely to be safe because of their weight and can remain outside.
Food Spoilage: It is recommended that you have non-perishable foods on hand for a typhoon. Should the power go out and all the food spoils, claims personnel will review any claim to determine what food items were necessary to have on hand during a typhoon.

The following paperwork will be required for the type of claim indicated:

Claims for personal property require:

DD Form 1842
DD Form 1844
Insurance Verification Form
EFT Worksheet
Power-of-Attorney (if applicable)
Estimates of repair and/or replacement cost substantiation and
Pictures to prove property was secured.

Claims for food spoilage require:

DD Form 1842
DD Form 1844
Insurance Verification Form
EFT Worksheet
Power-of-Attorney (if applicable)
Receipt for the purchase or repurchase of lost food items and
Itemization of food lost and cost

If you have any questions regarding claims, please contact Judy Barney at the MCB Butler Claims Office at 645-7460 or via e-mail at judy.barney@usmc.mil.

Claims must be filed with your respective service. Where you work or reside has no bearing on Personal Property Claims.

Air Force Claims: call 634-1662 or visit Bldg. 15, Kadena Air Base.

Navy Claims: call 634-8255 or visit Bldg. 3554, Kadena Air Base.

Army Claims: call 644-4742 or visit Bldg. 218, Torii Station.

Claims offices conducts post-typhoon recovery and can provide additional assistance regarding claims procedures.