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Floods are one of most common natural disasters in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no set “flood season” as this varies from state-to-state and at different times of the year. However, a flood could occur anywhere, no matter how dry the ground is or how high up a property is located. If an area can receive rain, it has the potential to flood. When a building is vulnerable to flood damage, there are steps property owners can take to prepare for the worst.

Since the 1970’s, the number of big hurricanes has gone up by about 70%. In the last few years, it seems like the U.S. has not gotten a break from these tropical forces. Hurricanes Ike, Katrina, and Rita, to name just a few, have created millions of dollars in damages to our cities not to mention threatened and taken lives. We can’t change what those storms have done, but we can learn from the lessons they taught us.

Hurricanes can devastate communities across the United States in ways unimaginable. Within the last five years, we have seen homelessness, illness, loss of life, loss of pets, loss of property, loss of business, etc. due to the forces of this natural disaster. From June to the end of November of each year, destructive winds, tornadoes, and floods from heavy rains are all things that can be expected if one lives in an area frequented by hurricanes. One should be prepared before the hurricane season starts…before it is too late.

Winter storms are like unexpected guests: they demand your attention, but a touch of preparation can allow you to accept and even enjoy their presence. A well-prepared host or hostess always has supplies on hand for a quick, light meal with carefully paired beverages. Likewise, certain preparations can help you welcome winter’s icy blows, as boreal climate schadenfreude sets in. This common seasonal emotion arises when one feels cozy inside a toasty, safe home while holwing nasties swirl outside the threshold.

It is the third year FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are leading a campaign during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, challenging individuals and businesses to improve the way they prepare and respond to severe weather. This year’s theme is Be a Force of Nature: Take the Next Step.