Natural Disaster Statistics and Facts

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

A natural disaster is characterized by a great deal of damage.

The sheer size and geographic diversity of the United States means that our country experiences a variety of different natural disasters on a frequent basis. Rather than just an extreme natural event such as a hurricane, a flood or an earthquake, a natural disaster is characterized by a great deal of damage and/or loss of life.

Flooding: The Most Deadly Weather Hazard
According to the National Weather Service weather-related deaths in the United States rose in 2015 from 388 in 2014 to 522. That number is still slightly below the 10-year average (2005-2014) of 552 deaths. Thunderstorm winds and high winds were the next most deadly weather events, claiming  65 lives, up from 55 in 2014.

Twice As Many Male Deaths
Of the 2015 weather-related deaths, males, as usual, accounted for more deaths, 347 (66%), than females, 165 (32%). The National Weather Service says this gender breakdown is typical. In most years, there are almost twice as many male victims of extreme weather as female, a pattern likely reflecting the higher percentage of men who hold outdoor jobs such as construction and who take part in sports and other outside activities such as fishing and boating.

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Tornadoes Cause The Most Injuries
In 2015, weather related injuries and illnesses numbered 2,143. That’s down slightly from the 2014 total of 2,203 and more significantly from the 2013 total of 2,767. Tornadoes caused by the far the most injuries with 924, heat caused 640, and thunderstorm and high winds caused 221 injuries.

Texas: The Most Dangerous State  
Which state had the most dangerous weather in 2015? Texas, with 86 casualties, took that dubious honor from Washington, which numbered 50 weather-related fatalities in 2014. A large number of the Texas deaths were due to flooding, which claimed 48 victims. Illinois and Florida were the next hardest hit with 32 and 28 deaths each.

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What To Do In A Major Disaster
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association says you should evacuate from your home and contact your insurance agent or company immediately. Let them know how to reach you. In the event of a catastrophe situation, many insurance companies set up 24-hour emergency hotlines.

Many Adjusters Will Starting Writing Checks Immediately
Insurance company claims adjusters--many equipped with laptop computers and portable phones--will start writing checks to pay the cost your temporary living expenses if you’re left homeless by a catastrophe. They’ll also quickly begin to provide funds to rebuild damaged homes. Some companies will open special claims centers. Contact your agent or company if you need additional living expenses while you are out of your home. Do keep all your receipts. Your out-of-pocket expenses during a mandatory evacuation are reimbursable under most standard homeowner insurance policies.

Give Your Insurance Agent A Description Of The Damage You Suffered
Your insurance agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible to inspect the damage. Again, be sure to give your agent a phone number where you can be reached. Take photos of the damage. Photos will help with your claims process and will assist the insurance adjuster in the investigation.

Write A Detailed Inventory Of  Damaged Property
Be sure to make two copies of the inventory--one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase, and estimated replacement cost.

Make Whatever Temporary Repairs You Can
Cover broken windows, damaged roofs, and walls to prevent further damage. Save receipts for any supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.

Get A Detailed Estimate For Permanent Repairs
Use SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield or another reputable contractor to give you a written estimate of the cost of repairs to your damaged personal property. Give a copy to your insurance adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs, and replacement prices.



Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

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