The Most Expensive Hurricanes In Economic History

Harvey left a horrible mark, and a stain on our economy. The people of Houston are reeling from the devastation, and many backyards are still underwater even today. The rainfall is truly a marvel, as the comparable storms like Sandy dumped a fraction of water that Harvey did. Even Katrina, the horrific natural disaster that struck New Orleans doesn’t hold a candle to the rain from Harvey.

It’s no secret that our economy has not been at it’s best in the recent years. When the housing market crashed in 2008, it took the next 10 or 15 years with it. Predictions for the next decade aren’t so hot either, but it’s important to be realistic to the approach of cynicism. The truth is a difficult thing to swallow. Harvey hit Houston, and Houston is the oil and gas capital of the entire world. A massive amount of economic throw goes through Houston, and we’re already feeling that here in the states.

Gas prices went up within 2-3 days after Harvey made rainfall, and the government was forced to dip in the national oil and gas reserves in order to counteract the sudden spike. Here in the High Country there were lines through gas stations all around town, and it was very difficult to get gas for a few days as people were panicked about the prices even going higher.

The Economic History of Hurricanes

So where does that leave Harvey ‘s impact on our economy throughout history? Katrina currently holds the helm as the most costly hurricane in history. Yet, it was a lower category hurricane than Harvey. The National Weather Service says that it’s a common misconception that a lower category hurricane is less dangerous than a higher category hurricane. In my personal opinion, it would make sense to rate them on a scale of dangerous for the public rather than something less important but I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason for that. Right?

 

Katrina costed the United States over $108 billion dollars. Which is actually a lot more money now with inflation. The levees being breached and the natural geography of the area destroyed many homes, businesses and flooded a large amount of the city and suburbs. Wind damage also carried through the area in to two more states east.

Currently, Harvey sits at number two as the most costly hurricane in history. The estimates are still being counted, and there’s some speculation that it could rise to the top spot surpassing Katrina in the near future. Time will tell.

“How do we prepare for next year?”, some of you might be asking. Here we direct you to Elephant Safe Rooms. You can also read about how Harvey ranks in history and learn about our recommended safe room, the above ground safe room.

ABOVE GROUND SAFE ROOMS

Elephant safe room with dimensions 8 x 6

 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Our 4×6 safe room is 4′ wide by 6′ long by 7′ high. Elephant Safe Room® Shelters a secure multi-use above ground steel residential tornado safe room.

SAFE ROOM SPECIFICATIONS

Made of solid quarter inch steel plate, this storm shelter is designed to withstand massive abuses from mother nature and criminal activity alike. The fully welded safe rooms are able to withstand tornado force wind speeds when properly installed inside the home, garage, or even out in the open. You can install these units outside, when anchored to a properly reinforced concrete pad, for safety and security for your family. Each unit comes standard with a 36″ standard security door with a three-point security latch system, and a key-lockable deadbolt. Sheltered air vents allow air in and will keep debris out, and each units comes with an enamel coated interior and exterior to ensure a solid finish and corrosion protection for years to come. For maximum protection from tornados, be sure to view our underground storm shelters.

Elephant Safe Room® Shelters are designed and manufactured in the USA at our factory in North Carolina. We service the Southeast directly, and provide Nationwide coverage with Freight-on-Board (FOB) determined at the time of your order.

Steel Buildings Make Gardening a Breeze

Our customizable steel buildings are versatile enough to be used for almost anything, and can help make planting a backyard vegetable garden easy and fun. Plus, there are so many reasons to start a vegetable garden at your home.

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