6 Questions To Ask About Floods & Wildfires
Floods and fires are getting more frequent and severe because of climate change.
Before you move to a new apartment or house, ask about climate risks.
FLOODS
Has this building or area ever flooded before?
Places that flood once often flood again. Ask neighbors
and check local news stories. In most places, landlords
and real estate agents are not required to disclose this
information.
How likely is it that this building will flood while I live
there?
Sea levels are rising, and rain is getting more extreme.
Think about how long you intend to live in your new place.
If there’s a 1% chance of a flood in any given year, you
have about a 1 in 4 chance of a flood over the course of a
30-year mortgage.
Is this building in a FEMA-designated flood zone?
Check the address on ​FEMA’s flood insurance rate map​.
The FEMA flood zone determines the cost of flood
insurance. But remember: FEMA flood maps do not
include future flood risk from extreme rain and sea level
rise.
How much does flood insurance cost, and what does
it cover?
Most renters and homeowners insurance does not cover
flood damage. FEMA sells flood insurance policies
through private insurance agents. If you’re moving to a
high-risk area, it may be very expensive.
What are landlords or sellers required to disclose to
me?
It varies by state. Tenants have a right to much less
information than buyers. Check out this state-by-state
overview​.
Has anyone in the neighborhood taken a buyout?
If a building floods multiple times, the local government
can purchase and demolish it. Only a small percentage of
neighborhoods have had a significant number of buyouts,
but if your new neighborhood is one of them, you probably
want to know. Search for your ZIP code in ​NPR’s buyout
database​.
Learn more about climate risk disclosure and real estate at NPR.org
WILDFIRES
Has this building ever burned in a wildfire?
On many landscapes, wildfire is a regular occurrence. Do
some research about the neighborhood’s fire history and
see what building permits have been previously filed for
the home.
What’s the risk of this neighborhood burning in a
wildfire?
Many people live in wildfire zones and have no idea.
Check out this ​national map​ for a general idea, but you’ll
also want to ask your local fire agency or community
wildfire group, known as a ​fire safe council​, ​fire adapted
community​ or F​ ireWise​ community.
What could make this building vulnerable to wildfire,
and what could be done to make it safer?
Buildings are often ignited by embers blown ahead of
wildfires. Homeowners should ensure they’re trimming
flammable brush to create “defensible space” and should
inspect the building to see where it's vulnerable.
Is it challenging to get insurance here due to the
wildfire risk?
As wildfires have become increasingly destructive, some
insurance companies have raised prices or have simply
stopped offering policies altogether in risky areas. Ask
around to see if cancellations have been happening.
What is the seller or landlord required to disclose to
me?
Very little. Only a few states require that a seller notify a
buyer if a home is in a high-risk wildfire zone.
What’s being done to make this neighborhood safer?
A neighborhood is safer if everyone maintains their
vegetation and has a plan to evacuate safely. Look for
your county’s emergency management plan or check with
your community wildfire group, known as a ​fire safe
council​, ​fire adapted community​ or ​FireWise​ community.