The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® encourages families in the Northwest to understand their unique winter flood risk and prepare now to protect property and possessions from flood damage.
Floods are a year-round hazard, and the risks do not end when cold weather begins. Heavy seasonal rains and snowmelt often lead to flooding during the winter months. Even areas that receive less snow and rain this winter season might experience drought-like conditions that ultimately can lead to flash flooding when it does rain.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59559-federal-alliance-for-safe-homes-flash-winter-weather-flood-risk
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/
Since the flooding in Pakistan began one month ago, more than 20 million people throughout the country have been affected. In an effort to help raise funds for relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts, the U.S. Government, through the Department of State, created the Pakistan Relief Fund (the Fund). In television and radio PSAs released by the Ad Council today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton encourages all Americans to donate to the Fund, which will help those who are in need.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/adcouncil/45926/