Storm Statistics & Facts For Your Safety

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Know the facts about storms. Be prepared. Know what to do if disaster strikes.

The more you know about storms the better you can prepare to avoid the risks of storm damage. Glastonbury, Wethersfield, and our region of Connecticut experience a variety of different storms and natural disasters. The following statistics and facts will help educate you and may help prevent you from suffering the harshest consequences of storms and natural disasters.

The Connecticut State Department of Public Health says a natural disaster could happen in any part of Connecticut. Natural disasters include severe thunderstorms, flash floods, snowstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. If a major storm is coming, make sure you have flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, and cell phones because you might lose electricity and phone service for a few days or even weeks.

Flooding: The Most Deadly Weather Hazard Across The Nation
According to the National Weather Service, in 2017 some 116 deaths were due to flooding.  In the U.S., other major weather-related causes of death in 2017 were: heat (107), rip currents (70), hurricanes (43), and lightning (16). In 2017 in Connecticut, the National Weather Service attributed 2 deaths, three injuries, and $1.44 million in property damage due to hazardous weather.

Twice As Many Male Deaths
Men die in storms much more often than women. For example, in 2015 men suffered 347 weather-related deaths while women suffered 165. So, percentage-wise 66% of weather-related deaths involved men, only 32% were women. The National Weather Service says this gender breakdown is typical. This may be because of 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.

Avoid preventable injuries and preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860) 633-8791 for advice.

The Most Dangerous and the Safest States  
When it comes to property damage and economic cost, the Popular Science website says Florida often takes the greatest hit from natural hazards. A lot of this comes from hurricanes, but flooding and fires contribute as well. California comes in second for dollar losses, thanks to a combination of earthquakes, flooding, storms, and fire. The states ranked as safest from natural disasters are Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. For total safety from all hazards, Connecticut often ranks among the 10 or so safest states.

Avoid preventable injuries and preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860) 633-8791 for advice.

What If Disaster Strikes?
Still, Connecticut has severe weather including flash floods, thunderstorms, hurricanes, snow storms, tornadoes, and more. What if the worst happens in Glastonbury? If a storm or natural disaster puts you in in the path of impending disaster, SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield recommends evacuating from your home and contacting your insurance agent or insurance 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.

Insurance Adjusters Will Help
Insurance company claims adjusters--many equipped with laptop computers and cell 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 All The Facts To Your Insurance Agent
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.

Avoid preventable injuries and preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860) 633-8791 for advice.

Write An Inventory Of  Your Damaged Property
Be sure to make two copies of the inventory--one for yourself and one for the insurance 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 Temporary Repairs
Don’t leave your property vulnerable to more damage. If you leave, cover broken windows, damaged roofs, and walls. Save your 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 Glastonbury/Wethersfield 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
Questions? Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield to discuss. Call 860.633.8791. We’re the mold, mildew, fire, and water removal service professionals who have saved property and saved money for the owners of many storm damaged homes and businesses. We serve homeowners and business owners in Glastonbury, Marlborough, Portland, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield.

SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.633.8791
Fax 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service