If Mother Nature was trying to send us a message in 2017, it reminds me of the adage “When Mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.”
Mountains ravaged by wildfires weaponized into a tsunami of mud, boulders, and fallen trees offers this clear message: we’d be wise to heed the lessons of the past and prepare for a continued increase in weather related catastrophes. According to this alarming report by Associated Press News the U.S. experienced a series of unprecedented weather events in 2017. Below are some of the “highlights” cited in the AP report:
- Total cost for weather disasters in the United States was a record $306 billion
- Three of the five most expensive hurricanes in U.S. history hit last year:
- Harvey caused massive flooding in Texas: $125 billion
- Maria’s damage in Puerto Rico: $90 billion
- Irma’s damage, mainly in Florida: $50 billion
- Western wildfires caused $18 billion in damage. According to NOAA, this total is three times the U.S. wildfire record.
- NOAA also reported 2017 was the third hottest year in U.S. records for the Lower 48 states — a full 2.6 degrees warmer than the 20th century average.
Rather than using this post to debate the possible causes for such disturbing weather trends, I instead urge readers to ask this important question:
“If my home and belongings are ravaged by a catastrophic weather event, will my insurance coverage provide the level of protection I want to rely on?”
With so much to lose, I encourage readers to sit down with an insurance professional who specializes in helping those they serve by crafting a protection program that “starts with the end in mind”. Of course, my team and I are happy to assist those in need.
- This was the third straight year that all 50 states had above average temperatures for the year.
- Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and New Mexico — had their warmest year ever.
Ken Sidlowski is a Senior Risk Consultant and Practice Leader with The Horton Private Client Group. The Horton Private Client Group is a full-service risk management and insurance practice that specializes in high net worth and mass affluence personal insurance.
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We have the capability to place coverage nationally and internationally through carriers such as Chubb, AIG Private Client, PURE, Nationwide Private Client, and The Cincinnati Insurance Company, and much more. Contact Ken at (312) 989-1416 or ken.sidlowski@thehortongroup.com.
Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.
