April showers bring May flowers but it also brings the potential for water in your basement. One of the worst experiences a homeowner can have is a backed-up sewer or drain filling the basement with foul-smelling water and sewage. Water losses are rising even though many of these accidents are preventable. In 2014, State Farm paid nearly $1.8 billion for water loss claims as a result of frozen pipes, flooded basements and burst appliance hoses, an increase from the $1.3 billion State Farm paid in 2013.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7452831-state-farm-weather-preparedness/
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/
Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products and power systems, has developed a portable showering experience to assist volunteers following hurricanes and other disasters. The new 42-foot KOHLER Relief trailer, which is powered by a KOHLER mobile generator, has been deployed for the first time by Operation Blessing International (OBI) to New Bern, North Carolina, a community with severe flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. OBl is a global nonprofit humanitarian organization providing aid in 39 countries through disaster relief, health and medical care, hunger relief, and access to safe water.
“We’re pleased to work with Kohler to bring the Relief Trailer to our many dedicated volunteers who are in North Carolina helping those in need following the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence,” said Ronda Sherman, vice president of philanthropy for Operation Blessing International. “Our volunteers are often deployed for weeks or months at a time following these massive storms and having the opportunity to shower onsite will significantly enhance our team’s efforts throughout the cleanup and recovery process.”
For the next six weeks, America’s PrepareAthon! and other preparedness partners will focus on various hazards and provide simple actions that people and communities should take to prepare for each particular hazard.
This first week highlights floods. Individuals, communities, businesses, schools, and houses of worship around the country are holding preparedness discussions, conducting drills, and taking easy steps to prepare for floods and other disasters.
America’s PrepareAthon!℠ is a grassroots, community-based campaign for action to get families, organizations, and entire communities better prepared for floods and other emergencies.
According to the National Weather Service, flooding, which can occur anywhere in America, proved to be the most costly hazard in 2015, exceeding $2.7 billion in damages.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7770531-fema-national-prepareathon/#release
