Seasonal Hazards Strike Year-Round

It’s not surprising that Gulf Coast residents get skittish about hurricanes in August and Californians are more mindful of wildfires in October. The two most costly hurricanes in U.S. history (Andrew in 1992 and Katrina in 2005) both hit land with a vengeance in August, and fires scorched Southern California in October of 2003, 2007, and 2009.¹

Naturally, weather-related disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires are most likely to occur during particular months of the year, when certain conditions create more potential for their formation.

For safety’s sake, it’s good to know which months are most active for weather-related emergencies in your area. However, it’s important to remember that your home and belongings are always at risk of sustaining some type of expensive or even catastrophic damage — weather-related or otherwise — regardless of the season.

Here’s a look at when and where the most fearsome conditions are likely to occur and how adequate insurance can help protect your family from the financial hardship that often comes with the loss of a home or personal property.

Risky Weather Watch

Hurricanes: According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30. Tropical storm activity peaks in August and September, when ocean waters are warmest and circulation in the tropical atmosphere is most pronounced. The condition exists in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Tornadoes: The frequency of tornadoes in a given area corresponds to the times of the year when warm and cold air are most likely to clash. From February to April, the Gulf States see the most tornado activity; by late spring, tornadoes spread to the Midwest and the Tennessee Valley. By mid-summer, tornadoes can occur throughout much of the nation’s center, moving to the upper Midwest and Ohio valleys by late summer. The pattern shifts southward again into the late fall. Although known tornado alleys in the southern and central United States are the most often affected, tornadoes have been documented in all 50 states.²

Wildfires: Fire season varies from region to region, depending on when and where combustible vegetation is present and on variables such as precipitation and humidity levels. For example, in South Carolina, fires are more prevalent in winter when vegetation is dead or dormant, but Michigan’s pine forests are more vulnerable during late spring’s sunny and windy days. Much of the west is at risk during a hot, dry summer. Southern California has become notorious for its combination of warm weather, dry vegetation, and whipping Santa Ana winds that arrive in October. Around the nation, more communities have been built at the edges of forests and wildlife areas, which means that a growing number of homes are ultimately at risk.

If your property is subject to flood risk or damage from an earthquake, you may need a specific policy in addition to your standard hazard insurance. It’s also important that your home and belongings be insured for their full replacement costs. If you are underinsured, it could prove difficult or impossible to rebuild a structure or replace your lost belongings at current market prices.

The most formidable natural disasters often affect a relatively small part of the country, but when images of the destruction make the national news, it’s a reminder of nature’s capacity to strike suddenly and with little warning. Wherever you live, knowing that you are appropriately covered may help you rest easier throughout the year.

1) Insurance Information Institute, 2009
2) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Climatic Data Center, 2008

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2009 Emerald.