.jpg){kind=small}
Theft
One of the biggest threats to homes in Delaware is burglary. The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that rented households were burglarized at rates 79 percent higher than owned households. In 2001, the bureau reported that rented households experienced 210 property crimes per 1,000 households nationwide, while owned households experienced only 146 property crimes per 1,000 households. Unfortunately, your apartment community's insurance policy does not cover your personal belongings lost due to theft. Do not allow fences or gates at your community to mislead you to think it is safer. On most low-crime properties the main purpose of gates or fences at apartment complexes is to provide the sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Fire
Fire is a risk in all states, including Delaware. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that direct property loss due to fires was estimated at $9.8 billion in 2004. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, apartment fires accounted for 23 percent of residential fires between 1992 and 2001 as well as accounted for 20 percent of the dollar loss from residential fires during these years. With these kinds of statistics, it is better to be prepared and protect your property from this risk.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Hurricanes and tropical storms are a threat for Delaware as well as all states along the U.S. coastline. Hurricane Katrina was the third-most intense hurricane to ever hit the United States since reliable records began in 1851, according to the National Weather Service. Damage from the hurricane is still being assessed, but the expected damage incurred ranges from $40 billion to $60 billion. Hurricane Camille, the most powerful storm in U.S. history, devastated the coast of Mississippi. As the storm moved inland, it flooded areas of Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
Wildfires
Wildfires are a threat in Delaware, as well as a risk to all of the United States. Wildfires consume thousands of acres of land, threatening the apartments, homes, and lives of many in the vicinity. An average of five million acres burn every year in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage. According to the National Fire Protection Center, wildfires that occurred in Southern California in October and November of 1993 resulted in an estimated $809 million in property damage.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storm and residents of Delaware should be aware that they are at particular risk. Although tornadoes affect all states in the nation, they highly impact Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida and Nebraska. Surrounding areas of Norman, Oklahoma had over 473 apartments destroyed and damaged 568 apartments. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration reports about 1,000 tornadoes across the United States in an average year. The ‘Tornado Alley’ extends roughly from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians and from Iowa and Nebraska to the Gulf of Mexico.
Prepare for a disaster in advance by viewing the folowing links and printable brochures.
Tips for staying safe in extreme hot weather
State of Delaware Disaster Preparedness Information
Planning for Emergencies and Disasters brochure
What To Do During an Emergency or Disaster brochure
