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Following the recent flooding that took place in Louisiana, totaling $277 million in damages, the USDA declared 11 natural disaster locations in the state. As the likelihood of natural disasters continues to increase in susceptible locations, insurance rates also rise, leaving some of the most vulnerable residents unable to keep up with increasing costs compounded by the obvious emotional toll.

Greg Hall, associate professor of natural and applied sciences at Bentley University, is an expert on resilience in the wake of disasters and the psychological effects of natural disasters on survivors. Hall can discuss the impact rising insurance rates have on the people hit hardest by these events including:

  • The ethical issues at play, including filing accurate damage assessments and how much insurance rates can/should rise following disasters (i.e. Hurricane Sandy)
  • The financial impact regarding flood insurance and replacement of material assets as one aspect of the psychological trauma survivors face
  • High impact, low-cost steps that can be taken at the state, federal and NGO levels to prepare low income communities for natural disasters

If you would like to learn more or arrange to speak with Hall, please contact Helen Henrichs, hhenrichs@bentley.edu