10 States Most at Risk of Disaster - Series Countdown - No.'s 8 & 7

States of danger

Disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. But some places experience more than their fair share of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and severe weather -- so much so that certain locales earn frightening nicknames, such as Tornado Alley. No matter where you live, make sure you have the right kinds and necessary amounts of insurance coverage to protect your finances.

So where do these damaging events occur most frequently and severely? Kiplinger.com worked with the National Weather Service to identify the 10 states that have suffered the biggest estimated property losses from disasters over the past eight years. Take a look:

No. 8: Louisiana

Estimated property damage (2006-2013): $3.9 billion

Most frequent disasters: thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, tropical storms, floods, flash floods
Weather-related fatalities (2006-2013): 66

Last year, the Pelican State was at the top of our list, largely because of Hurricane Katrina, which was the costliest disaster in U.S. history. But it drops in the rankings because the 2005 hurricane was not part of our data set this year, which includes events from 2006 to early 2014. However, Louisiana suffered from flooding when Hurricane Isaac hit in 2012. If you live in a flood-prone area, don’t wait until storm clouds gather to buy a flood policy; typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period before premiums take effect.

No. 7: Mississippi

Estimated property damage (2006-2013): $4.3 billion

Most frequent disasters: thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, floods and flash floods

Weather-related fatalities (2006-2013): 88
 

Mississippi frequently is hit by tornadoes and severe storms. It also has been in the path of several hurricanes -- most recently Hurricane Isaac in 2012 -- that have caused extensive flooding. Although homeowners insurance covers damage due to wind, it doesn’t cover flood damage. You have to purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

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10 States Most at Risk of Disaster - Series Countdown- No.'s 10 & 9

States of danger

Disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. But some places experience more than their fair share of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and severe weather -- so much so that certain locales earn frightening nicknames, such as Tornado Alley. No matter where you live, make sure you have the right kinds and necessary amounts of insurance coverage to protect your finances.

So where do these damaging events occur most frequently and severely? Kiplinger.com worked with the National Weather Service to identify the 10 states that have suffered the biggest estimated property losses from disasters over the past eight years. Take a look:

No. 10: Arizona

Estimated property damage (2006-2013):
$3.5 billion

Most frequent disasters: thunderstorms, flash floods, drought, dust storms

Weather-related fatalities (2006-2013): 93

Drought conditions have plagued Arizona for the past several years. As a result, the state has seen outbreaks of wildfires, including its largest on record in 2011. The Wallow Fire burned more than 500,000 acres in eastern Arizona. And in 2010 a series of severe thunderstorms produced numerous tornadoes and hail around Phoenix, causing an estimated $2 billion in damage.  Keep in mind that if your home is damaged, you should file a claim only if it’s several hundred dollars more than your insurance deductible. Frequent small claims can lead to a rate hike.

No. 9: Colorado

Estimated Property damage (2006-2013): $3.7 billion
Most frequent disasters: winter storms, hail, drought, floods and flash floods

Weather-related fatalities (2006-2013): 70

Record rainfall during September 2013 led to floods that killed nine people and caused widespread destruction in several Colorado cities, according to the National Climatic Data Center. The Centennial State also suffered the most damages among western states where wildfires broke out in the summer of 2012. If you live in a state where wildfires are common, it’s important to know what your homeowners policy covers and the difference between assessed value and actual replacement value. Too many people learn only after a fire that they were underinsured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good-Bye Summer! Fall Clean-up Tips – Series Part 5

This summer has been hot and dry and although it may seem too soon, fall will be here before we know it! You’ve probably already had it with your lawn - it's natural.   As summer winds down, the tendency is to put lawn care on the back burner until spring blooms anew. But by taking time to put your yard and landscape “to bed” in fall, your lawn will reap the rewards. Give your lawn a  healthy start next spring by following these helpful fall tasks.

Decorate for the holidays. Fall is the time to think festive! Draw attention to your landscape with lighting, and find ways to incorporate a pop of color by filling containers with seasonal selections - mums for fall.

Clean up. Wash down the patio furniture and store it for the season. Make sure to pick up toys so they don’t get buried or lost.

Good-Bye Summer! Fall Clean-up Tips – Series Part 4

This summer has been hot and dry and although it may seem too soon, fall will be here before we know it! You’ve probably already had it with your lawn - it's natural.   As summer winds down, the tendency is to put lawn care on the back burner until spring blooms anew. But by taking time to put your yard and landscape “to bed” in fall, your lawn will reap the rewards. Give your lawn a healthy start next spring-follow along this week to learn some helpful fall tasks.

Pick up leaves. Fall cleanup will save time for gardening come spring, and clearing your lawn of leaves and sticks will prevent the heavy, wet foliage from suffocating the turf. Dark, moist environments are breeding grounds for disease.

Mow low. Make the last mowing of the season a short cut since you’ll retire lawn equipment until spring comes around again.