The Red Cross organization has become a household name in the aftermath of disasters. Whenever disaster strikes, they are one of the first organizations on the scene. With a strong hurricane season looming ahead, not only do you want to make sure that your home is taken care of, you also want to be in a position to help others in need. There are more than 500,000 Red Cross volunteers just in the United States, spread … [Read more...]
Disaster Relief: How to Become a Red Cross Volunteer
How Do Floods Form: The Science and Dangers
There are very few areas in the world where flooding isn't a concern. Not even mountainous regions are resistant to the devastation of floods. Where there is rain, floods can easily follow. Floods are among the leading causes of global deaths. Flash floods can hit without warning, taking thousands of lives and costing nations billions of dollars in damage repairs. The complexity of the dangers of floods can be better … [Read more...]
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist: What to Do During a Wildfire
Wildfires are catastrophic and devastating events, falling victim to one of these events is nothing short of absolutely terrifying. Wildfires roll through extensive stretches of land and trees, obliterating life and property. According to National Geographic, more than 100,000 wildfires clear almost 2 million hectares of land per year, consuming everything in their path. If your property is near one of these … [Read more...]
Tips for Salvaging Flood Damaged Photos
The beginning of the rainy reason marks the beginning of the constant fear of threats of floods and leaks. Experts predict at least five to seven hurricanes to hit the country this year alone. With hurricane chances that high, protecting your home from water damage should be a top priority. Torrential rains can pose many different risks. Items such as furniture and appliances could break instantly. Additionally, … [Read more...]
Preventing Problems: How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
Hurricane Florence was responsible for 22 direct deaths in the U.S., and the estimated dollar value of the damage incurred ranges from $2 billion to $5 billion. Hurricane Michael, on the other hand, was responsible for 16 deaths, plus an estimated loss,ranging from $6 billion to $8 billion. That is why before settling in an area, it is vital that you find out the likelihood of a hurricane occurring near your home so … [Read more...]
What’s Your Company’s Tornado Resilience Plan?
What's Your Company's Tornado Resilience Plan? Tornado alley encompasses portions of South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and other states. This region has been coined ‘Tornado Alley’ for obvious reasons – as it is the part of the country where twisters occur frequently. Contrary to popular belief, living outside of tornado alley doesn’t exactly entail safety from these phenomena. Unlike hurricanes, … [Read more...]
Why 2019 Could be a Record-Setting Year for Flooding
Why 2019 could be a record-setting year for flooding When it comes to flooding, there's no off-season. Floods can strike at any time, almost anywhere, and only increase in threat with the onset of hurricane season. This may explain why every state in the continental U.S. has experienced some form of flooding over the past 10 years, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Spring is traditionally the … [Read more...]
What Last Year’s ‘Mild’ Hurricane Season Could Mean for 2019 Forecasts
What last year’s ‘mild’ hurricane season could mean for 2019 forecasts At first, the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season wasn't exactly one for the record books. Sure, it was an above-average period for tropical storm activity - producing 15 named storms, three more than what is typical - but it wasn't nearly as destructive a stretch as 2017, when several Category-4 hurricanes not only developed, but made landfall. With … [Read more...]
Prevent Damage from Storms to Your Home with These 7 Simple Steps
We can't control Mother Nature, but we can do some preventative things to help keep her out of our homes during storm season. When storms rage, we can feel like we're at the mercy of wind, rain and hail. Florida gets hit hard at different times of the year. In 2016, losses from storms set a record--almost $4 billion in damages in the Miami and Orlando areas. You can't avoid the storms, but with a few tips, you can … [Read more...]
What to Expect From the Atlantic Hurricane Season
What to Expect From the Atlantic Hurricane Season The summer will be heating up soon enough and so too will the Atlantic hurricane season. Over a six-month period - stretching from June 1 to Nov. 30 - business owners up and down the eastern seaboard hold their collective breath, hoping that a tropical storm won't arrive at their doorstep. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2018 … [Read more...]
7 Best Practices for Building a Hurricane-Proof House
Over the past several years, Americans have witnessed some of the most devastating hurricanes to ever hit during many of our lifetimes. In 2017, Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on the United States territory of Puerto Rico, claiming the lives of over 2,900 residents. The storm knocked out power to the entire island and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Then, in 2018, Hurricane Michael made headlines as the … [Read more...]
Tarping a Roof and Other Emergency Repairs to Take Care of After a Storm
It seems like every day there’s breaking news about some sort of major weather event. From devastating hurricanes and tornados, to raging monsoons and bomb cyclones, people all across the United States are impacted by the wrath of Mother Nature. Are you prepared for the next major storm? When a major storm rolls through, it often leaves plenty of damage in its wake. During the aftermath, insurance companies are … [Read more...]