Severe weather events are happening more often and hitting harder than before, putting homes, businesses, and communities at higher risk. From historic wildfires and record-breaking hailstorms to hurricanes pushing their remnants far inland, climate change is changing what property owners need to prepare for.
Jared Turnwald, a senior loss control manager at Central Insurance, highlights how storms and fires are getting bigger and more damaging. He points out that many buildings today contain petroleum-based materials, like plastics, which catch fire quickly and burn hotter. This fuels more intense house fires and helps wildfires spread faster across neighborhoods.
It’s not just coastal areas that need to be concerned anymore. Hurricanes are now causing flooding and damage in inland states like Ohio, showing that no place is completely safe from extreme weather. Areas like the drought-prone West remain highly vulnerable to wildfires, while coastal regions still face big threats from hurricanes. Around 26% of U.S. homes are at risk from at least one extreme climate hazard, showing just how widespread the dangers have become.
Older buildings and quickly rebuilt homes using cheaper materials are at higher risk of damage during severe weather. Turnwald stresses that property owners should invest in better construction and regular maintenance—like sealing roofs—to help their properties withstand storms.
Insurance also needs to keep up. Coverage should consider where a building is located, what it’s made of, and what preventive steps have been taken. Turnwald urges property owners to move beyond just picking the cheapest insurance option, which can leave them exposed to gaps in coverage or high deductibles.
One promising approach is parametric insurance. This type uses things like storm tracking and satellites to automatically pay out when a disaster hits, speeding up recovery and cutting claims costs. While still new and mostly used by reinsurers, it might become more common soon.
Central Insurance offers policies designed to help with these new climate risks. Their Signature policy, for example, includes replacement cost coverage, protection against water backup, and equipment breakdown coverage. These help homeowners repair or rebuild without unexpected expenses. Local independent agents can also advise on the right coverage and preventive steps tailored to each property.
The bottom line is that severe weather is now more dangerous and widespread. Preparing with good maintenance and smart insurance can help protect property owners from costly damage and make it easier to bounce back after disasters. Central Insurance and its team provide tools and guidance to help people stay ready as these climate challenges grow.