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Preparing your Home and Family During Hurricane Season

Flooding is the Nation’s number-one natural disaster, affecting every state in the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini...

Flooding is the Nation’s number-one natural disaster, affecting every state in the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), storm surge poses the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.

 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Big Four” of 2004, when four hurricanes affected Florida for the first time in recorded history. Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne are four hurricanes that Florida residents will not soon forget. The lessons these storms taught can help make a difference in the way residents prepare for hurricane season—including the importance of purchasing flood insurance. The “Big Four” caused an estimated $45 billion in damage, the costliest U.S. Atlantic hurricane season on record at that time. While 2004 was an exceptional year, it only takes one storm to cause catastrophic damage to your home.

 

Despite the risks, many residents across the United States are not taking adequate steps to protect their lives or their property.  Dr. Rick Knabb, internationally renowned weather expert and director of the NHC, and Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes discuss the activity so far this hurricane season, steps to take to prepare for peak hurricane season, as well as what to know and do about flood risk.

For more information: FloodSmart.gov and FLASH.org.

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