Disaster declaration renewed in Texas as devastating drought persists

Texas Governor Rick Perry has renewed a declaration of disaster regarding the state’s ongoing and costly drought. Last year, the declaration was renewed several times, as the drought showed no signs of relenting. According to the National Weather Service, 2011 was the driest year Texas has ever known and the second hottest. The conditions ignited several wildfires throughout the state that caused damage to hundreds of homes and ruining thousands of acres of land. Insurers have been battling the disaster as fervently as state officials, but there seems to be…

Read More

Texas wildfires wreak havoc on citizens and the insurance industry

Texas is battling a raging wildfire that has broken out in Bastrop, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. The fires have already scorched more than 100,000 acres of land and burned several hundred homes throughout Central Texas. Many communities have been evacuated as no end is currently in sight for the wildfires. The disaster is expected to add to the financial strain bearing down on the nation’s insurance industry, which is already reeling from two costly flooding disasters stemming from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Insurers are estimating that the…

Read More

Holiday Mayhem – Thanksgiving turkey’s go up in smoke!

Holiday Mayhem - Thanksgiving turkey’s go up in smoke!

Grease fires are becoming a huge problem according to State Farm Insurance, reporting fire claims doubling from previous year on one day in particular – Thanksgiving day. The culprit is the ever growing popularity of turkey frying, instead of traditional baking methods, people are loving the fried turkey but hating the mess. The U.S. fire department responds to over 1,000 fires each year in which a turkey fryer is involved and it’s not only property that’s getting destroyed – many are suffering from third degree burns and even death! Approximately…

Read More