Big Bags USA

Back in 2005, the National Institute of Building Sciences released a study that assessed future savings from mitigation activities. They found that society saves $4 for every $1 spent on mitigation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Since that study was released, we have experienced some of the most devastating natural disasters in history. Just last year, we experienced 3 major hurricanes and extensive wildfires. Future natural disasters are inevitable, and it's important that we start addressing mitigation more seriously. Unless something is done, future events will affect more lives, property and the economy as a whole. Mitigation Activities in the United States Mitigation saves lives, preserves homes and belongings, reduces the need for temporary shelter, helps economies spring back faster and lowers recovery costs. In addition, investing in mitigation now invigorates the economy through increased construction. As a nation, we need to start preparing now for ...

In California, and other fire-prone regions, we see a link between wildfires and mudslides. In today's blog, Big Bags USA® dives into these natural disasters so that people better understand why these mudslides are occurring, and what can be done to protect communities from the devastation associated with these mudslides. California Wildfires In 2017, we saw record breaking wildfires across California. Damage estimates from last year topped $10 billion, and that's before the devastating wildfires tore through Southern California in December. According to the state fire protection agency Cal Fire, wildfires have scorched an average of 202,751 acres for the past 5 years. That number, however, doubled in 2017, with more than 505,900 acres going up in flames. These massive wildfires left hillsides and other slopes burned and scarred. The fires destroyed all vegetation there, vegetation that would have slowed down or blocked some of the mud and debris. California Mudslides...

On January 4, 2018, the first winter flood outlook was released by the National Weather Service. This outlook estimates the potential for river flooding to develop during the coming weeks across the mid-Atlantic region. (The mid-Atlantic region includes Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virgina, as well as parts of New Jersey, New York and North Carolina.) Factors affecting this estimate include future weather conditions, recent precipitation, soil moisture, snow cover and snow water equivalent, river ice, streamflow, etc. Heavy rainfall is the primary factor that leads to river flooding. It's important to note that this outlook does not address the severity/extent of any future river flooding, nor does it address any flash flooding possibilities. River Flooding Potential Over the next two weeks, the river flood potential for the mid-Atlantic region is below average. As of January 4th, the area was currently not experiencing flooding at all. During the month prior to Januar...

Is one of your new year's resolutions to be better prepared for emergency situations in 2018? It should be, especially after the year we just had. Several major hurricanes impacted the United States in 2017, some setting records. The flooding associated with these storms was unimaginable. Areas that were unsuspecting of flooding were devastated. In today's blog from Big Bags USA® , we want to help you better understand your flood risk, so that you can better prepare for a flooding situation. What is Your Flood Risk?  While we have some pretty great forecasting technology today, it's still impossible to predict exactly where flooding will occur and how much. Therefore, it's important for everyone to be prepared for an emergency flooding situation by having a flood mitigation plan in place. Some areas are at a higher risk for flooding than other, possibly due to a nearby river or major body of water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed a...