Top Ten States Most At Risk For A Natural Disaster
Bankrate and NBC recently released a list of the 10 states most at risk for major disasters. Can you guess which states unfortunately made the list? We’ll start with number 10: Missouri.
Regardless of the season, the citizens of this state can expect to experience extreme weather ranging from snow and ice storms to tornadoes and flooding year round. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 55
Number nine on the list is Kentucky. This state has seen landslides, mudslides, rockslides, flooding and tornadoes. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 56
Arkansas comes in at number eight on the list. Arkansas has been hammered with rain, snow, ice, tornadoes and flooding. Don’t let its landlocked characteristics have you fooled. Hurricane Gustav damaged buildings, roads, bridges and knocked out power throughout the state. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 58
Next in line is Alabama. The Gulf Coast state has been hit with hurricanes on multiple occasions including Isaac, Gustav, Katrina, Dennis and Ivan. Tornadoes in 2011 caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage and took 250 lives. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 58
Just to the west of Alabama, Louisiana comes in at number six. One word: Katrina. The 2005 storm killed nearly 1,000 people and caused $80 billion in damages. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 60
Number five is the sunshine state: Florida. This state is no stranger to tropical storms including Andrew in 1992 and Katrina in 2005. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 67
New York slides into the list at number five. This east coast state has seen everything from blizzards to tropical storms. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy claimed almost 50 lives ad caused more than $40 billion in damage. In addition are the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 68
We have to head back west to get to the number three spot: Oklahoma. The state records more than 55 twisters per year since 1950. In addition to the tornadoes, Oklahoma has seen severe winter storms, wildfires, floods and the 1995 terrorist attacks against the Oklahoma City federal building claiming 168 lives. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 75
California comes in at number two on the list. Residents have endured wildfires, landslides, flooding, winter storms, severe freezes, tsunami waves and of course, earthquakes. Earthquakes in recent history have killed over 120 people. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 79
The number one state most at risk for major disasters is Texas. The Lone Star state records at least one major disaster every year. Tornadoes, floods, wildfires and coastal hurricanes rip through the state annually. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 88
Make sure you’re prepared if any natural disasters hit your business or home.
For preparation tips for family and employees, download our free book Disaster Ready People for a Disaster Ready America.
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