Catastrophe & Restoration

After almost every major disaster, the government and media proclaimed that these were the "worst disasters America has ever suffered."

Six hurricanes hit the United States in 2004, the most in nine years. According to reinsurance giant Swiss Re, nine of the 10 hottest years on record have been in the past decade. Coincidence? Unlikely.

Two nationally recognized restoration companies are sharing the small screen this year by making appearances on two different television programs.

The list of this year's tropical storm and hurricane names has been announced for the 2006 season, which begins next month and runs through November. But how exactly are these names chosen?

Three industry associations have concluded that a recent denial by a Miss. court of a motion for dismissal concerning flood damage in could end up being a silver lining to a lingering issue about flood versus wind.

FEMA is recommending that substantially damaged homes and businesses protected by levees be elevated by three feet, or follow what is shown on the current effective flood insurance rate map.