As climate reporters, @rhersher @ryanjamescliff and I keep finding ourselves standing with people in the wreckage of their destroyed homes. Many had no idea they were at risk of floods or wildfires. Because few states require disclosing that risk. 1/ https://www.npr.org/2020/10/18/918725965/undisclosed-most-homebuyers-and-renters-arent-warned-about-flood-or-wildfire-ris
So, we looked into it. Just 2 Western states require disclosing wildfire risk. 29 states require flood risk, but studies show it often doesn't get through to people. Disaster experts say these risks will only get worse with climate change 2/ https://www.npr.org/2020/10/18/918725965/undisclosed-most-homebuyers-and-renters-arent-warned-about-flood-or-wildfire-ris
So what can people do? Ask questions, even if you already live somewhere and aren't moving. Here are 6 questions to ask about wildfire risk: https://www.npr.org/2020/10/18/902315263/is-your-home-at-risk-of-wildfire-in-a-changing-climate-6-questions-to-ask
And here are 6 questions to ask about flood risk. 4/ https://www.npr.org/2020/10/18/901109626/moving-6-questions-to-ask-about-flood-risk-in-a-changing-climate
It can be really challenging to find info about flood or wildfire risk for your home. State and federal maps often don't factor in climate change. At least one real estate website has started showing flood risk on listings, but others haven't so far. 5/ https://www.npr.org/2020/08/26/905551631/major-real-estate-website-now-shows-flood-risk-should-they-all