In a record-breaking year for extreme weather events, roughly 1 in 10 homes across the United States were damaged by natural disasters, totaling nearly $57 billion in property damage, according to CNBC. Approximately 20 major climate disasters ripped through the U.S. in 2021, impacting over 14.5 million homes caught in the direct paths of hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and hailstorms.
Winter storms in the center of the country did the most extensive damage, causing over $15 billion in property damage across over 12.7 million homes. Severe weather events are becoming more common and more severe, threatening existing homes and leading to new considerations for prospective buyers in high-risk areas.
Flood insurance, which is typically not included in traditional homeowners insurance, could help protect the assets of residents affected by hurricanes. Removing firewood and other flammable materials from porches, cleaning roofs and gutters of dead leaves, and installing metal mesh screens on vents could help reduce the spread of fire, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
CoreLogic suggests local, state and federal governments should enact informed policies to protect each local environment from natural disasters.
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