Understanding Climate Risk for Homeowners

Climate risk, referring to the hazards that the natural world poses to people and places, is something that everyone needs to be prepared for, regardless of where they live. The potential threats include higher temperatures, sea level rise, changing precipitation patterns, and increased severity of weather events. The article offers guidelines for homeowners and potential homebuyers to understand, assess, protect against, and prepare for such climate risks. 

Key Points: 

1. Climate risk includes various threats such as sustained high temperatures, rising sea levels, altered precipitation patterns, and more severe weather events. Today, a large number of homes face some kind of climate risk.
2. Homeowners and potential buyers need to understand and assess these risks before purchasing a property. Various tools and resources are available online to assess property risks and learn how to alleviate them.
3. Once potential threats are known, homeowners can make improvements to protect their homes against these threats. Measures can range from installing wind-resistant doors to landscaping with nonflammable materials.
4. Insurance plays a crucial role in managing climate risks, but understanding the coverage provided by insurance policies is essential. Standard policies do not cover major costs such as flooding and earthquakes, and these coverages need to be purchased separately.
5. It is important to prepare in advance for potential disasters by stocking up on necessary supplies such as batteries, flashlights, tarps, bottled water, and nonperishable foods. Various agencies provide guidelines on what to have on hand for disaster preparedness.

Source: https://www.vibrantlivingnewsletter.com/single-post/climate-risk-and-your-home-4-ways-to-be-prepared