It Figures

$100 Million

The cost of property damage claims from Tropical Storm Hermine crept toward $100 million as of Sept. 10, 2010, three days after the storm made landfall in northeastern Mexico, and swept through Texas and into Oklahoma. Insurance Council of Texas spokesman Mark Hanna said claims were mounting quickly and could reach $100 million. The initial estimate of insured losses statewide was around $50 million. The storm dumped heavy rains as it took a path up through the central part of Texas and headed north into Oklahoma. Portions of northern Travis and Williamson County received rainfall in excess of 15 inches. Tornadoes spawned by the storm caused damage in North Texas and Oklahoma. As of Sept. 11, the reported death toll from Hermine stood at six.

6

Six small earthquakes were recorded on each of two days within one week in central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Geological Survey said the six earthquakes on September 4 ranged from preliminary magnitudes of 1.5 to 3.3. On September 1 in the same area about 30 miles from Oklahoma City, geologists also recorded six earthquakes that ranged from a preliminary 1.8 magnitude to 3.1. Another quake with a preliminary magnitude of 2.7 was recorded September 3 about 10 miles east of the September 4 temblors. No injuries or damage were reported from any of the earthquakes. Quakes of magnitude 2.5 to 3 are generally the smallest felt by people. AP

58%

One year after a new Louisiana law required back seat passengers to buckle up, a new survey released by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission shows 58 percent are heeding the requirement and using their seat belts. Before the 2009 law, only 27 percent of back seat passengers were using their seat belts. According to the recent study, 76 percent of drivers and front seat passengers are buckling up. The study by Applied Technology Research Corp. of Baton Rouge showed seat belt usage rates were highest with drivers and front seat passengers in vans and sport utility vehicles. The most reluctant were drivers and passengers of pickup trucks. AP