Recently, Zillow introduced comprehensive climate risk data on for-sale listings across the US. This piqued my interest and I began a little research. My curiosity led me to uncover various sites and tools you may find of interest too.
CNBC reports “Climate risks are now a critical factor in home-buying decisions,” said Skylar Olsen, chief economist at Zillow, in a release. “We’re providing buyers and sellers with clear, property-specific climate data so they can make informed decisions. As concerns about flooding, extreme temperatures, and wildfires grow, this tool also helps agents inform their clients in discussing climate risk, insurance, and long-term affordability.”
For the past two weeks, hurricanes have wreaked havoc across the southeast. First Street is the company providing the data for Zillow. On the website, they describe what they do with this statement. “We exist to make the connection between climate change and financial risk at scale for financial institutions, companies, and governments.“
I went to Zillow to see what my climate risk was and came up with nothing! On a mission, I went to Redfin and saw that First Street is providing climate risk data to them too! It was illuminating to see my specific report covering: Flood risk, Fire risk, Wind factor, Air Quality, and Heat factor.
I also learned that FEMA has a national risk assessment tool for natural disasters in the USA! The National Risk Index (NRI) is an interactive online mapping tool that shows which communities are most at risk from various natural hazards, including data on expected annual losses, social vulnerability, and community resilience across different geographic levels like counties and census tracts.
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
Key Points about the NRI
Accessibility: It is a user-friendly tool available to the public, allowing anyone to check their community’s risk level.
Hazard types: The NRI considers data for 18 common natural hazards, allowing for a comprehensive risk assessment.
Mitigation planning: The NRI data can be used to inform mitigation planning, identify areas needing priority attention, and allocate resources effectively.
Other Relevant Risk Assessment Tools
FEMA Hazus Program: A GIS-based software application offering standardized tools and data to estimate risks from specific hazards like earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and hurricanes.
Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT): A FEMA tool providing access to GIS mapping and data layers to analyze community resilience against various hazards.
USGS Earthquake Hazards Information: Provides data on seismic activity and potential earthquake risks across the US.
Flood Map Service Center (FEMA): Access to flood risk data and maps for specific locations.
NOAA Climate Resources
NOAA provides a listing of external resources to help us be smarter about climate. Here are the sites if you’re interested.
- NOAA Climate.Gov – provides science and information for a climate-smart nation.
- The Climate Explorer – explore how climate is projected to change in your county.
- Climate Resilience Toolkit – provides tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience at the regional and state levels.
- NOAA Resource Guides – provides links to top info sources on these topics:
- Sea Level Rise Viewer – mapping tool to visualize impacts on communiities from coastal flooding or sea level rise (up to 10 feet above average high tides).
- Coastal Inundation Dashboard – provides real-time and historic coastal flooding information at NOAA coastal water level stations.
- Climate Prediction Center – weekly to seasonal outlooks.
- National Centers for Environmental Information – access to comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric, and geophysical data.
- Past weather data – links to individual National Weather Service forecast offices that host past weather data for their region.
- Latest NOAA climate news stories
Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay
Time to Assess
Risk assessment goes beyond climate. Do you have what you need in case? Preparation before you’re faced with an unexpected situation gives you a bit of confidence and strength when you need it most.
My book is a resource for you to begin your planning. Here is a direct link to my shopping cart. The Living Planner What to Prepare Now While You Are Living © Check it out HERE.
For those who seek a step-by-step DIY method: Check it out HERE.
Send me an Email or Message if you have any questions. For additional information about my work check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner.
“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” – Chinese Proverb Have a good week ❣️ Lynn
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