Hurricane Harvey to Make Landfall in Texas; Heavy Winds and Extensive Flooding Likely

NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hurricane Harvey is barreling toward the central coast of Texas, and could make landfall as a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher)—the first in a dozen years. Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) subject matter experts will be available this weekend to assist reporters with questions on insurance coverage, the insurance industry's disaster response and steps consumers can take following the storm.

"Harvey is the third Atlantic hurricane to form since August 9," said Dr. Phillip J. Klotzbach, meteorologist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) and a nonresident scholar with the I.I.I. "In only two other years since 1900 have three hurricanes formed between August 9 and August 24: 1969 and 1995," he noted.

"The insurance industry is on the ground, ready to help citizens rebuild in the wake of any damage arising from Hurricane Harvey," said I.I.I. CEO Sean Kevelighan. "We urge anyone in the path of the storm to listen to local authorities, while also doing what is needed to prepare, such as reinforcing windows with shutters and taking a home inventory, if time permits. If you have to evacuate, bring your financial documents, including your insurance policy, so you can start the claims process once the storm has passed," said Kevelighan. "Keep in mind, the more prepared you are, the greater the potential to be more resilient and withstand damage."

Texas Landfalling Major Hurricanes (Cat. 3 Or Greater) 1851-2016*

*The chart does not include Hurricane Ike in 2008, which was a Category 2 storm, nor Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, which caused extreme flooding.

Source: Dr. Phillip Klotzbach, Colorado State University.

Wind damage from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage is excluded under standard home and business policies. Separate flood coverage can be purchased from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers.

Damage to cars from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive coverage available with a standard auto insurance policy. Nearly four out of five drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage for automobiles includes wind damage, flooding and damage from falling objects, such as tree limbs.

As Hurricane Harvey prepares to make landfall, the number one priority is public safety. Heeding evacuation orders is imperative. The I.I.I. recommends that Texans recall the lessons from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Not only can high winds be deadly; storm surge is also a serious threat to human life. Residents near coastal areas and inland bodies of water should have a plan for evacuating from flood-prone areas—and be ready to put that plan into action.

For more information, visit the following resources:

Facts and Statistics
Key Facts on the Texas Insurance Industry
Flood Insurance
Hurricanes
Hurricane Fact Files And Market Share By State (including Texas)

Consumer and Business Resources
Avoiding Scams After A Disaster
Disaster Planning For Older Adults
Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
How Do I File A Homeowners Insurance Claim?
Preparing An Evacuation Plan
Trees And Insurance

Background Papers
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
FEMA Report on Impact of Hurricane Ike
Flood Insurance
Hurricane And Windstorm Deductibles
Residual Market Property Plans

Videos
Disaster Planning With Pets
Filing A Homeowners Claim
Learning About Hurricanes with Dr. Phillip Klotzbach

Additional Resources
Colorado State University
FEMA – Coming Home After a Flood; Debris Removal Guidelines; How To File A Flood Insurance Claim
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Insurance Council of Texas
Texas Windstorm Association

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its YouTube Channel. 

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

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SOURCE Insurance Information Institute

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