This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Big Four” of 2004, when, for the first time in recorded history, four hurricanes struck the Florida coast in one year. Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne caused an estimated $45 billion in damage, the costliest U.S. Atlantic hurricane season on record at that time.
Flooding is the Nation’s costliest and deadliest natural disaster, affecting every state in the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), storm surge poses the greatest threat to life and property along U.S. coasts.
Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the NHC, stated, “Hurricanes and flooding can pose serious risks to your family and property. By making a plan and taking preventive actions, you can get ahead of the storm and protect what matters to you.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7249151-national-hurricane-center-flash-flood-preparedness-2014-hurricane-season/
Now that spring is here, flooding will be a major concern for many parts of the country.
The Northeast and Midwest received an abundance of snow this winter. Boston alone received more than 108 inches, making 2014-2015 the snowiest season in the city’s history. Until the frozen ground thaws, melting snow and heavy rains cannot be absorbed and the excess water can overflow streams, rivers, and lakes. The average National Flood Insurance Program flood claim between 2010 and 2014 was more than $42,000. Without flood insurance, you could be left to carry the financial burden of flood damage.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7338651-iii-weather-flood-insurance/
All natural disasters, including the recent hurricanes, are a reminder how swiftly emergencies and disasters can happen. To address the fact that less than 50 percent of households have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their families, FEMA and the Ad Council are working to inform and encourage all Americans to plan ahead for disasters. FEMA and the Ad Council are announcing the release of new public service announcements (PSAs) as part of the Ready Campaign to conclude National Preparedness Month. The PSAs, “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” encourage families to take time to talk about their emergency plans – what to do, where to go for an evacuation or shelter-in-place, and how to get in contact in the event that you are separated in a disaster or emergency.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. It’s important to be aware of your local hazards,” said FEMA Acting Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness Katie Fox. “The first step to preparing for a disaster doesn’t cost anything – talk to your family and make a plan for evacuation, shelter and communication. Discuss what you will need. You can also take training or a CPR course to help yourself and others.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8170051-ad-council-fema-ready-gov-national-preparedness-month-disaster-plan/
No other natural catastrophe impacts as many people as flooding, with an estimated 500 million people affected every year. Insured flood losses are also increasing significantly; 1970's annual claims were between USD 1–2 billion, whereas insured flood losses amounted to USD 15 billion in 2011. Recent flood events in Thailand, Australia and the Philippines have shown that floods are now rivalling earthquakes and hurricanes in terms of economic losses.
However, awareness of flood risks and their impact is still relatively low. Swiss Re's publication Flood – an underestimated risk aims to close this knowledge gap.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/swissre/56573/
The June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just around the corner. Early predictions indicate an active year and the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) urges the public to prepare for the heightened flood risks that come with hurricanes and tropical storms.
Flood insurance is essential to help financially protect homeowners and business owners against the devastating effects of flooding. The spring months have already brought significant flooding to many areas throughout the Midwest, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri. Also, the most recent two hurricane seasons have shown how devastating the consequences of seasonal flooding can be, with losses felt well beyond the high risk areas nearest the water.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61483-floodsmart-hurricane-season-is-just-one-month-away-flood-insurance
Even though Colorado State University’s storm-prediction experts anticipate a below-average hurricane season, the second anniversary of Hurricane Sandy serves as a sobering reminder to the families along the Mid-Atlantic coast of the importance for families to be prepared for disasters.
Foundation Expert, Steven Gencorelli, P.E. of Danbro Distributors advises that to elevate safely, securing your foundation with a permanent, deep foundation system is the best option. In an interview on October 15th, Gencorelli provided some advice to individuals still struggling to recover from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.
Gencorelli helped local communities affected by Hurricane Sandy by providing design assistance for damaged structures and contributed to the development of The Sandy Solution™, which uses helical pile technology.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go http://www.multivu.com/players/English/63264-hubbell-chance-helical-piles-flood-zone-foundation-repair-contractors/
The recent flooding in Texas means the end of the road for an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 insured vehicles that suffered water damage.
That’s the current estimate from Copart, a company that works on behalf of insurers to handle the vehicles damaged in catastrophes. About 2,500 cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs and other vehicles have already been towed to one of Copart’s locations, a 200-acre processing facility in Houston.
After a disaster, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) works with its member companies, law enforcement and companies like Copart to identify the vehicles that have had an insurance claim filed and to process them for sale. All of the cars will be retitled with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the new title will indicate the fact that the vehicle has been flood damaged. Most of the vehicles are sold to parts companies who will dismantle them and re-sell usable parts that were not damaged by the flooding.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7523152-nicb-texas-floods/