As wildfire season rages in California and as Hurricane Helene threatens to hit Florida, more than a quarter of U.S. homeowners say they’re financially unprepared for the costs associated with extreme weather events.
In fact, at least 43% of homeowners say they have not done anything within the past five years to protect their property against extreme damage, according to Bankrate’s 2024 Extreme Weather Survey.
The survey also found that 15% of homeowners say they would be unable to pay their deductible without going into debt if their home sustained major damage, while at least 13% said they didn’t even know what their homeowners insurance deductible is.
More concerning is that at least 7% of people surveyed admitted to not having any homeowners insurance.
These are sobering facts, especially considering the U.S. experienced 28 separate weather and climate disasters last year alone—which cost at least $1 billion.
Plus, 44.8% of homes in America—with a total value nearing $22 trillion—confront at least one type of severe or extreme climate risk from either flood, wind, wildfire, heat, or air quality, according to the 2024 Realtor.com® Housing and Climate Risk Report.
To protect your home from earthquakes
Major earthquake-proofing projects include reinforcing a home’s foundation or bolting the foundation to the frame.
But if you want to start smaller, anchor large furniture pieces to prevent them from falling over during an earthquake.
Or install an automatic gas shut-off valve near the meter to prevent gas leaks in the event of a quake or aftershocks.
To protect your home from wildfires
To protect your property from fire damage, invest in fire-resistant materials like roofing, siding, and windows designed to withstand high heat.
“Also, keeping the area around the home clear of flammable vegetation and installing fire-resistant landscaping are good ideas,” says Duncanson.
Homeowners should install spark arresters on their chimney and regularly clean gutters and roofs to remove any dry debris that might be accumulating.
To protect your home from flooding
To prevent flooding, maintaining proper grading is crucial.
“It is critical, especially in flood zones, for homeowners to ensure the ground around their homes slopes downward and away from the foundation,” says Duncanson.
This helps stop water from seeping into the home and reduces the risk of water damage, foundation issues, and basement flooding.
“Raising the elevation of your home can also be a good idea if you live in a high-risk flood zone or regularly experience flooding,” says Leasure.
To protect your home from snowstorms or extreme cold
Taking the necessary steps to winterize your home is essential.
“Checking for leaks, installing proper insulation, and making sure any cracks are sealed and repaired are some of the best ways you can financially prepare yourself for the extreme weather,” says Matt Eskew of J. Blanton Plumbing, Sewer & Drain in Chicago.
Winter-related damages can be expensive and mentally draining, “so it’s best to be proactive and follow necessary precautions,” says Eskew.
5. Take photos of all of your belongings
Create a home inventory list, and take photos of all of your possessions—and ideally save an electronic file or keep it off your property so you could access it off-site.
In the event of an extreme weather event, this information will make filing future insurance claims so much easier.
It will also help you get reimbursed faster, which will put money back in your pocket at a time you need it most.
