Navigating the Rise of Natural Disasters: Key Tips to Protect Your Property

Discover crucial steps to protect your property from increasing natural disasters. Learn how to identify disaster hotspots, navigate home insurance coverage, and prepare your property for unforeseen events.

Understanding the Growing Threat of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters and severe weather are becoming more frequent and severe, posing significant risks to property owners nationwide. And, for many Americans, the likelihood of experiencing a natural disaster is a matter of "when," not "if." In fact, over the past five years there have been 5x as many hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes as there were in the previous 50 years. Scientists think this increase is due to better reporting, climate change, and more people living in at-risk areas.

Whatever the reasons, these disasters and weather events are becoming the new normal. We’re here to help you prepare for unexpected events and protect your property from any damage. Learn essential strategies to mitigate these risks and protect your property from natural disasters and severe weather.

Identifying Disaster Hotspots: Know Your Risk

Over the last five years, all 50 states have been impacted by a natural disaster, yet there are still states more prone to experiencing a natural disaster and severe weather than others. These states often include California, Washington, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas and experience a range of extreme events from wildfires to tornadoes.

Understanding your location's risk level is the first step towards effective disaster preparedness. Discover if you live in a region prone to natural disasters and severe weather events by utilizing resources such as FEMA’s disaster hotspot map, to help identify if you live in an area prone to disaster hotspots or severe weather.

Navigating Home Insurance: Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage

Property owners often lack insurance coverage for disaster-related damages, as standard homeowners' policies may not include natural disasters. Residents in disaster-prone regions should consider reviewing additional property insurance for events such as floods and earthquakes. Even if covered, insurers consider property risk when pricing coverage.

Start by reviewing your homeowners' policy and utilizing comparison tools to secure the best insurance rate. Preparation is crucial for safeguarding your home or business and minimizing costs in case of a disaster.

Preparing Your Property: Creating a Disaster Readiness Plan

In any case, establishing a natural disaster readiness plan is crucial to know how to respond when such events occur. From emergency planning to disaster-resistant home improvements, proactive measures are essential to protecting your property and reducing risks. While companies like Judy offer pre-made emergency kits, if you prefer a DIY approach, remember these 5 tips:

• Stay alert and informed about weather in your area

• Establish support systems and evacuation plans

• Build an emergency fund

• Pack emergency supplies

• Include special provisions for all loved ones

The prospect of natural disasters and severe weather can be unsettling. Luckily, there are tools and resources available to help you stay alert and prepared for the unexpected. Learn more about natural disasters, property preparedness, and related topics by following our blog.

About the Author

Dorothy is the industry-leading climate benefit network, helping homeowners and businesses prepare and protect their property before, during, and after a weather event. Our team comprises compassionate individuals deeply committed to addressing climate challenges, with expertise spanning various fields such as urban planning, climate-focused technology, property recovery, and related industry topics. Together, we work to empower our communities and address the impact of climate-related events.

Sources

• "UN report: Weather disasters worsening worldwide." (2021, September). Retrieved from https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/09/1098662

• "Weather disasters worsening worldwide, new UN report says." (2021, September 2). USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/02/weather-disasters-worsening-worldwide-new-un-report-says/5681641001/

• "2021 US Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Historical." (n.d.). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved from https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2021-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters-historical#:~:text=The%20number%20and%20cost%20of%20weather%20and%20climate%20disasters%20is

• "Natural disaster risks." (n.d.). The Zebra. Retrieved from https://www.thezebra.com/resources/home/natural-disaster-risks/#infographic

• "Catastrophe Preparation." (n.d.). Nationwide. Retrieved from https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/emergency-preparedness/articles/catastrophe-preparation