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FEMA states that winter flooding is particularly dangerous in the states of Arizona, California and Nevada because of the recent wildfires and the rainy season that follows. Although flooding can happen during any time of the year, homeowners should know their risk in relation to severe weather, including flooding, that can occur during cold weather months.

In the United States, floods are one of the most common and deadliest natural disasters. While some natural disasters occur more in certain regions of the country, such as earthquakes in the areas surrounding a fault line, floods can occur anywhere rain falls and can impact large areas of land. Because the weather cannot be controlled, there are only a few ways humans can prevent flooding. However, knowledge and preparation for a flood can help all homeowners stay safe and limit the amount of damage to personal property.

Sometimes it seems as if some U.S. cities cannot get a break from the forces of Mother Nature. This is the case with Laguna Beach, California. Over the last several years, the town known for its beaches and glamorous residents has experienced landslides, floods and fires.

With all the snowy weather that has fallen over much of the U.S. since the beginning of the month, FEMA issued a statement warning of the repercussions snow can have on buildings. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) collaborated with FEMA to warn residents to pay attention to heavy snow on a roof in particular.

“The New York Times” recently reported that the Department of Housing Preservation and Development issued over 14,000 violations for mold infestations in residential buildings in 2010. Not just found in NYC’s older buildings, the Stachybotrys chartarum strain of mold was found along with other molds linked to respiratory tract illnesses in buildings that are not even five years old. New York City investigates approximately 500 cases of mold each year.