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Certain areas across the United States are more susceptible to damages from natural disasters. For example, parts of Louisiana have been struck by 6 hurricanes in the past 16 years and a town in eastern Kentucky has been pummeled by 9 storms severe enough to warrant federal assistance. According to the Small Business Administration, 90 percent of the total losses across the country occurred in zip codes that contain less than 20 percent of the population. The map below shows how a pattern of destruction has concentrated in certain areas of the United States. Photo Source:  NYTimes.com Climate Change Increases Disaster  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that 2017 was the costliest year for natural disasters on record, with 16 different billion-dollar disasters totaling more than $300 billion. Annual losses for billion-dollar disasters, adjusted for inflation, have increased over the last 40 years. According to the National Oceanic and Atm...

The summer season has arrived, and along with it, summer storms. It's that time of year when flooding ramps up all across the country. From heavy rain to tropical storms and hurricanes, we need to be prepared for any flooding that mother nature may send our way this summer. Keep reading to learn about flood watches and how we can better prepare for the possibility of flooding in our communities. What is a Flood Watch? According to the National Weather Service, a "Flood Watch" is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. In addition, a "Flash Flood Watch" means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding. While it does not mean that flooding will occur, flooding is possible. This means that you'll want to continue to monitor the forecast and be alert for a possible flood warning. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. To stay updated on any current flood watches across the coun...

The start to the Atlantic Hurricane Season is less than 2 weeks away! After last year's record hurricane season, we've all been anxious about what this season will hold. Forecasters are warning us to prepare for another active hurricane season. In fact, they are saying that we could see the first named storm of the season as early as this weekend, before the official start of the season. Keep reading to learn more about what forecasters are saying is in store for us this year and how you can take action for hurricane and flood preparedness today. 2018 Tropical Storm Forecast  Forecasts from both North Carolina State University and Colorado State University predict between 14 and 18 named storms on the eastern seaboard this year. It is also predicted that 7-11 of those storms will become hurricanes. The Weather Channel, however, is predicting slightly lower numbers at 13 named storms and 6 hurricanes this year. Either way, we can expect an above average hurricane season th...

The National Preparedness System organized by FEMA is intended to be used by the whole community. This includes individuals, families, communities, the private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and state, local, tribal, territorial, insular area and federal governments. Each day we take steps to keep our nation safe and ensure that we thrive after disasters occur. No matter what we face as a country, our goal stays the same for safety and resilience. The National Preparedness System outlines an organized process for everyone in the community to move forward with disaster preparedness activities and achieve the National Preparedness Goal. The National Preparedness System  This system established by FEMA features 6 different parts: 1. Identifying and Assessing Risk.  The first step in the system involves collecting historical and recent data on existing potential and perceived threats and hazards. This could be anything from the likelihood of an ear...

Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 6th to May 12th this year. The National Weather Service is encouraging everyone to take this time to help build a weather-ready nation. Now is the time that we start preparing for the possibility of a land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. Here are some things you can start doing today to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season: Determine Your Risk  Hurricanes aren't just a coastal problem; their effects can be felt hundreds of miles inland, so it's important that everyone across the country understand their risk. Hurricanes bring a variety of hazards to coastal areas and inland including storm surge on the coast line, inland flooding from heavy rain, tornadoes, strong wind, rip currents and large waves. Create an Evacuation Plan  Hurricane preparedness week is also the time that you should ensure you have an evacuation plan in place. The first thing you'll want to do is find out if you live in a storm surg...