Stories Tagged as
Hurricane harvey
Some investors bet big against disasters
by
Ryan Kailath
Sep 13, 2017
Catastrophe bonds spread insurance risk for events like hurricanes.
The agency investigating toxic chemical leaks could be axed by budget cuts
by
Scott Tong
Sep 13, 2017
The Chemical Safety Board is running at full tilt in the wake of hurricane damage this month. It’s a small federal agency that investigates toxic leaks from petrochemical plants, like the Arkema plant explosion in Texas, after Hurricane Harvey. But it’s on the president’s list of agencies to ax to make budget cuts. Click the […]
Trying to put a dollar figure on a disaster
Sep 11, 2017
There are lots of numbers being talked about today as government officials and reporters attempt to convey the levels of damage from Hurricane Irma to people who can’t see it with their own eyes. Here is just a sampling: 250,000 evacuees have crossed into Alabama and more than 6.5 million homes and businesses in Florida […]
When disaster strikes, FEMA gets the call. So does Google
by
Annie Baxter
Sep 8, 2017
Corporations have donated $165 million to relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said. And some also have provided logistical support and supplies to government and non-profit organizations. Now, as Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida, a broad assortment of corporate partners are again stepping in. Here’s how public-private […]
After a disaster, FEMA documents home damage, a former inspector explains
Sep 8, 2017
His advice: Have your proof of ownership ready.
Three ways to optimize tech for an emergency
by
Molly Wood
Sep 8, 2017
During a disaster, digital records, messaging, even social media are all pretty handy.
Houston has to decide whether to rethink its development strategy
by
Andy Uhler
Sep 8, 2017
Wes Highfield witnessed last week’s flood in real time from his home in Friendswood, Texas, about 20 miles south of downtown Houston. “I do this kind of research for a living,” said Highfield, who teaches about flood loss and mitigation strategy at Texas A&M, Galveston. “This is the first time I’ve watched it unfold before […]
For public good, not for profit.
Is tying Harvey disaster relief to the debt ceiling opportunistic?
by
Kimberly Adams
and Jana Kasperkevic
Sep 6, 2017
Linking the two could make raising the debt limit more palatable to Congress, but it puts off a painful conversation about spending cuts.
First Harvey aid package for immediate needs, not long-term recovery
by
Ryan Kailath
Sep 5, 2017
Congress is expected to vote tomorrow on a $7.8 billion package for aid to those hit by Hurricane Harvey. It’s a first round of funding that almost entirely goes to shoring up FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. That money helps reimburse local search and rescue efforts, and clean up and re-open some public services like schools […]
Harvey aftermath: Chemical plants still down
Sep 5, 2017
Chemicals plants that are needed to make many of the things that we use every day are still offline. It could get expensive. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.