Hurricane storm-surge risk in metro Savannah
The 2014 storm surge analysis from CoreLogic, a property information reporting firm, indicates 85,476 homes with a combined reconstruction value of $18,644,983,316 are located within storm-surge risk zones in the Savannah metro area.
Of those homes, 20,550 are designated in the “extreme” risk zone, meaning that they would be affected by all hurricane categories, according to the report released Thursday.
According to the findings, more than 6.5 million homes along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at risk of storm surge inundation, representing nearly $1.5 trillion in total potential reconstruction costs.
The analysis examined homes along the coastlines of 19 states and the District of Columbia in the Gulf and Atlantic regions, extending as far west as Texas and as far north as Maine.
Florida ranks No. 1 for the highest number of homes at risk of storm surge damage; Georgia is ranked 11th.
NeSmith dealership celebrates 40th anniversary
CLAXTON — To celebrate their 40th anniversary, NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Claxton and NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Jesup will give away a new vehicle, according to company president Martin NeSmith.
The winner will get to choose between a sports car, SUV or truck.
Until Sept. 14, residents may register for a chance to win a new vehicle at www.NeSmithNow.com/giveaway.
Forty qualifiers will be selected over the course of 10 weeks, and one winner will be announced during a live event Sept. 20 at NeSmith Chevrolet in Claxton and will choose a Buick Encore, a GMC Sierra 1500 or a Chevrolet Camaro.
For full contest rules, go to www.NeSmithNow.com/giveaway.
Richmond Hill receives favorable fire rating
Richmond Hill has received an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of four for its excellence in fire-protection services.
Based on an objective standard, ISO evaluates public fire-protection services in communities nationwide and rates them on a scale of one to 10. A rating of one signifies superiority in fire protection; a score of 10 indicates that the program does not meet ISO’s quality standards.
This rating is used by fire insurance companies to set premiums for residential and commercial properties in each city. The lower the rating is, the lower the insurance rates are for the community.
“We are extremely pleased with the current ISO rating,” said Richmond Hill Fire Chief Ralph Catlett. “As with anything, there is always room for improvement and in the future we hope to have the lowest possible rating for the citizens of Richmond Hill.”