Insights
Catastrophic events (CAT) include hurricanes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tornados, and wildfires (See Figures 1-4 below). “CAT season” is the phrase experts commonly use to describe the time of year when most natural disasters or catastrophic events occur. Primetime for CAT season, which, in the insurance world, means “busy season,” is the period spanning June through September of each year. The environmental conditions during these months include the warmest ocean waters, the most rainfall in a calendar year, and the hottest days—a recipe for most of the naturally occurring catastrophic events that can keep the insurance industry busy year-round.
This article discusses what to expect from a typical CAT season, how to prepare and overcome challenges (limited resources, increased workflow, etc.), and the restoration of homes, cities, and the lives of people impacted. The following information may be of particular interest to insurance adjusters, litigation lawyers, and contractors. Some questions and topics addressed include:
Figure 1 – Houston, Texas; Hurricane Harvey flooding in 2017 (Source: https://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2022/08/climate-change-harvey.php).
Figure 2 – Marshall fire, Boulder, Colorado, 2021
Figure 3 – Houston, Texas flooding in 2019 following Tropical Storm Imelda.
Figure 4 – Oklahoma tornados in 2024 (Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/04/28/oklahoma-tornado-outbreak-sulphur-destruction/).
How can we expect the unexpected? While it may not be possible to predict if a tornado will hit Kansas, for instance, it is possible to know whether a storm is coming and whether it is expected to bring heavy rains, high winds, and all the ingredients needed to produce severe weather. By monitoring weather conditions closely, experts can often predict when and where natural disasters are likely to occur.
Services provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hailtrace, and local weather channels are great resources for actionable data on weather patterns, yearly expectations for weather conditions, and information regarding how to monitor those conditions to be better prepared for disasters. Experienced professional meteorologists are also available to help analyze these reports more accurately or to assist in monitoring incoming events.
So, what can be expected when a natural disaster does occur? Natural disasters can cause widespread flooding and significant damage to property and infrastructure. Inspection activities in impacted areas present multiple hazards that can cause serious injuries or death if they are not recognized, evaluated, and controlled. Often, when dealing with catastrophic events, the most common obstacles faced include loss of power, inability to locally mobilize, lack of resources due to high demand, destruction to local resources, hazardous debris/safety concerns, and obstructed or limited access to the impacted zones. Below is an example of weather prediction data from NOAA which helps forecast expected weather behavior, resulting damage, and so on.
Figure 5 – Overview of severe thunderstorm outlook categories with details.
Natural disasters typically occur over a wider area than average storms/winds resulting in claims. A larger area means more people affected and a greater influx of claims. Therefore, it is not wise to wait until a storm arrives to start preparing.
Listed below are several actions that can be taken to prepare for CAT season’s many challenges:
Now that we have discussed what CAT season is, what to expect, how to overcome common industry challenges, and how to be prepared, you can be more prepared for any upcoming CAT season. Remember that the effects of these storms can last months and even years, so stay connected to your support systems: third party consultants, engineers, contractors and even other adjusters. Keep your licenses current, prepare your CAT kit, mobilize, and have equipment ready before the storm hits. Keep track of weather conditions so you know what to expect, and, most importantly, stay safe.
Jamie Laurienti is a Senior Consultant in J.S. Held’s Building Consulting practice. She has over 10 years of experience in commercial and residential property damage restoration. Experienced in both restoration management and water mitigation, Jamie also served as a lead marketing director overseeing key targets for new clientele and establishing market visibility for a new start-up restoration company. Jamie is an experienced marketing leader who headed the sales for multi-million-dollar restoration projects. Jamie’s background includes property loss construction estimating, project coordination, project management, employee training and development, marketing development and business relations, sales leadership, and cost analysis management. Her experience led the way to becoming a technical mitigation analyst within the building consulting organization at J.S. Held.
Jamie can be reached at [email protected] or +1 281 884 3075.
Procedures for collecting evidence samples from a fire scene, including methods, and takeaways from an example scenario involving contaminated evidence cans....
How comprehensive site inspections and scope development can enhance efficiency and accuracy to help resolve claims and disputes....
Our 2024 Nuclear Energy Industry Report explores the industry as it stands today, key drivers underlying its future, and new nuclear projects plus their associated intellectual property....