Month: September 2018

What is Storm Surge and How it Puts 10 States at Risk

The NOAA defines a Storm Surge as

the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore. The amplitude of the storm surge at any given location depends on the orientation of the coast line with the storm track; the intensity, size, and speed of the storm; and the local bathymetry.

 

Storm surges can be extremely dangerous as they usually happen after the area has suffered a severe weather event, that locals sometimes think that there is no more danger and they let their guard down.

The “2018 CoreLogic Storm Surge Report” includes the following takeaways for insurers and their policyholders living and doing business in affected states:

  • 9 million homes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at risk for hurricane storm surge damage
  • Those homes have $1.6 trillion in potential reconstruction costs
  • Florida, Louisiana and Texas top the list of states with the most homes at risk

“While industry predictions for this year’s storm season indicate average activity levels, associated storm surge risk remains an important consideration for residential and commercial properties in the 19 states analyzed,” Dr. Tom Jeffery, senior hazard scientist at CoreLogic, said in a press release. “Depending on the location of a storm’s landfall and that area’s population density and reconstruction costs, lower Category storms can cause just as much damage as storms in higher categories.”

The following states are the most vulnerable to damage:


 

Making sure your property is adequately covered is critical in times like this. Give us a call to review your insurance to make sure there are no gaps.

 

Preparing For Hurricane Season

The Importance of Being Prepared During A Hurricane
From June through November, hurricanes are at their peak. During a hurricane, heavy rains and catastrophic winds barrel through coastal areas and can severely damage or destroy homes and businesses. The best way to minimize damage from a hurricane is to be prepared before one strikes.
 
PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON
During Hurricane Season:
  • Plan evacuation routes and designate a contact person who family members know to call once the storm is over.
  • Stock up on items such as bottled water, flashlights, battery-operated radio, nails, tarps and plywood.
  • Keep an up-to-date log of all of your possessions with photographs and videos, and review your home insurance policy.
When There’s A Hurricane Threat:
  • Cover windows and doors and secure outdoor furniture.
  • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Refill your prescriptions, fill up your gas tank and withdraw a week’s worth of cash so you are prepared in the event of a power outage.
During a Hurricane:
  • Listen to your battery-operated radio for instructions from the local authorities on evacuation and safety guidelines.
  • Seek shelter in an interior room away from windows, such as a closet.
  • If the electricity goes out, use a flashlight to see; do not use candles.
  • If you hear the winds subside, do not assume that the storm is over. The calm may be the eye of the storm, and the worst part may still be coming.
Safety First
After the storm is over, stay inside until you hear that an “all clear” notice has been issued. If you were told to evacuate, do not return home until you have been given permission by the authorities.

Additionally, exercise extreme caution when inspecting your home for damage. Do not try to inspect damaged utilities and appliances; contact a professional to do so.
 
Anastasi Insurance Agency, Inc.
www.anastasiinsurance.com
(508) 248-1440