Courtesy of iii.org Hurricanes and storm-related flooding are responsible for the bulk of damage from disasters in the United States, accounting for annual economic losses of about $54 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). These losses have been on the rise, due, in large part, to increased coastal development. More, bigger homes, more valuables inside them, more cars and infrastructure – these all can contribute to bigger losses. The CBO estimates that a combination of private insurance for wind damage, federal flood insurance, and federal disaster assistance would cover about 50 percent of losses to the residential sector and 40 percent of commercial sector losses. Recent research illustrates the benefits provided by mangroves, barrier islands, and coral reefs – natural features that frequently fall victim to development – in terms of limiting storm damage. In many places, mangroves are the first line of defense, their aerial roots helping to reduce …
Severe Weather Events & Your Business
Courtesy of iii.org Courtesy of iii.org With predictions of an above-average hurricane season issued by Colorado State University this week, businesses need to take measures to prepare and increase their chance of surviving, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Forty percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster and another 25 percent fail within one year, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). But by taking action now to prepare, businesses can increase their chance of getting back on their feet financially and keeping their doors open. The I.I.I. and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommend the following steps: Develop a Business Continuity Plan Having a business continuity plan is vital for companies to prepare for, survive and recover from a hurricane. Use IBHS’ free OFB-EZ® (Open for Business) business continuity planning tool to create a plan that focuses on recovering after the …
More About Flood Insurance
Courtesy of iii.org Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions; the landlord insures the structure. Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a business—resulting from a flood—is generally covered under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and through some private insurers. Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage. “Superstorm Sandy, which impacted the Northeast, including New Jersey and Long Island, was the deadliest and most destructive storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, causing billions of dollars in insured losses,” said Dr. Michel Leonard, CBE, Vice President and Senior Economist, Triple-I, who also gathered the content posted at the …