Tag: disaster preparedness

Why Gen Z Is Checking Weather Maps Before Signing a Mortgage

Live Insurance News
Gen Z Is Checking Weather Maps

Weather Disasters and Rising Insurance Costs: A Barrier to Millennial and Gen Z Homeownership Homeownership has long been seen as a pillar of the American Dream, but for Millennials and Gen Z, that dream is becoming increasingly out of reach. It’s not just student loans or sky-high housing prices putting a dent in young buyers’ ambitions. Severe weather disasters and rising home insurance costs, fueled by climate change, are rewriting the rules of who can afford to own a slice of real estate. The Cost of Climate Change Hits Home…

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Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Putting Homes at Risk During Natural Disasters?

Marc
Lithium-Ion Batteries in Natural Disasters

Understanding the Risks: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Natural Disasters Lithium-ion batteries have become indispensable to modern life, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage systems. The global demand for them is projected to grow by an estimated 30% annually until 2030. However, as their presence becomes more pervasive, so do the risks they pose in the context of natural disasters. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can severely compromise the safety of lithium-ion batteries. When exposed to conditions like saltwater submersion or…

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What Happens to 9,000 Burned Homes? Inside the Massive Cleanup After the Eaton Fire

Tate Ellison
Eaton Fire

Eaton Fire’s Devastating Impact The Eaton Fire, which ignited late on January 7, 2025, under fierce Santa Ana wind conditions, has left an indelible mark on Altadena and its surrounding communities. Covering over 14,000 acres, the wildfire destroyed a staggering 9,418 structures, damaged another 1,073, and claimed 17 civilian lives. Though containment has reached 95%, the scarred landscape and displaced residents paint a grim picture of the fire’s aftermath. The fire’s origins remain under investigation, with recent video footage suggesting potential electrical activity near the ignition point. Meanwhile, local utility…

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North Carolina’s Biggest Insurance Hike in Years

G. Turner
North Carolina Home Insurance

North Carolina Homeowners Face Rising Insurance Premiums Amid Settlement Agreement North Carolina homeowners will soon see their insurance premiums rise following a recently announced settlement between the state Insurance Department and the insurance industry. The increase will be gradual, averaging 15% statewide by mid-2026. While the new rates are lower than what the industry initially proposed, the settlement demonstrates the growing pressures on insurers as they deal with inflation, costly natural disasters, and other challenges. Understanding the Settlement and Its Impact on Homeowners The settlement reduces what could have been…

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Don’t Sign Anything Yet! California Insurance Commissioner Warns of Fraud Post Wildfire

H. Cutner
California insurance wildfire update on conditions

Wildfires Ravage Southern California: Safety First Southern California faces a devastating challenge as powerful wildfires, driven by intense winds, have scorched over 23,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. The fires, which erupted following a windstorm on Tuesday, have also destroyed at least 1,100 structures across affected regions. With lives disrupted and communities left in turmoil, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is urging residents to prioritize safety above all else during this difficult time. Lara has advised individuals to avoid entering disaster zones and refrain from making hasty…

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The Push for Stronger Building Codes Before the Next Storm

Live Insurance News
Stronger building codes

The Necessity of Modernizing Building Codes In many storm-prone regions across the United States, outdated building codes continue to leave communities vulnerable to the devastating impacts of natural disasters. As climate change intensifies the severity and frequency of storms, the need for robust building standards becomes increasingly urgent. Recent calls for updating these codes underscore their importance in protecting lives and properties, with particular emphasis on coastal areas regularly battered by hurricanes. Historical Lessons: Hurricane Andrew as a Catalyst for Change The catastrophic damage wrought by Hurricane Andrew in 1992…

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Hawaii’s Governor Green Ignites State Farm Debate and Disaster Fee Proposal

H. Cutner
Governor Green critizising the insurance industry

Governor Green Proposes Visitor Impact Fee for Disaster Insurance Amid Maui Wildfire Recovery In the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023, which claimed 102 lives and destroyed nearly 4,000 structures, Hawaiian Governor Josh Green has proposed a visitor impact fee to fund state disaster insurance. This initiative aims to ensure Hawaii’s resilience in the face of future natural disasters while addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the recent fires. Criticism of the Insurance Industry With an Emphasis on State Farm Governor Green has criticized…

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