Before You Buy that Home: 10 Tips for Hurricane Protection, Flooding and Forest Fire 

Retirees with fixed incomes need to be aware of climate disasters when picking a home. I’m writing this after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devasted the South. I sat in Yellowstone and watched stressed friends watching their Tampa homes flood. I am no expert but if I were looking to retire as risk-free as possible in Georgia or anywhere in the US, this is what I would look for. 

1. Recently Built Planned Community  

Golf communities and 55+ retirement communities tend to cover large acreage. Look for communities with buried power lines and young trees that do not sprawl. I would avoid large trees close to homes that may fall. These communities can be pricey; however, a friend’s home in a such a community was fine during Helene. 

2. Nearly Flat Land with Good Drainage 

Even in the mountains one can find hilltop developments that are not nestled in flood-prone valleys. 

3. Hardened Infrastructure 

• Buried power lines are less likely to be impacted by storms.  

• An emergency generator is practically mandatory across the U.S. Ideally, if you are installing one, elevate it. My Tampa friends were lamenting their flooded generator sitting on the garage floor. 

• Starlink internet. Starlink sells an RV / Travel subscription that is monthly when used. You could buy one as a backup, and only pay monthly when you turn it on. I love it for camping, but this seems valid. You buy the equipment outright 

4. Elevated Above Sea Level, Storm Surge and Flooding Rivers 

Forget the beach front. Sought-after homes in Tampa are 20-30 feet above sea level (and hard to find in that town). If you must live in a seaside community, seek elevation and enjoy the bike ride to an ocean view. Or, build with wind and flood damage in mind. Likewise, look closely at that riverfront lot, knowing that FEMA’s flood maps (which regulate flood insurance) are backward-looking and don’t reflect the reality of today’s climate impact.  

5. Low Risk Ratings for Disasters 

FEMA and First Street’s risk ratings drive insurance premiums for many properties. Look up any property address you may wish to purchase beforehand. FEMA’s limits risk to flooding. First Street’s shows 5 different factors including wind, flood, fire, heat and air. 

6. Lakefront Not Seaside 

Lakes don’t typically flood and offer that watery view if you need it. Still, I’d look upstream at the lake’s water source in case there is a chance of a dam-breach or similar catastrophe upstream. 

The corollary to this is don’t live below a dammed lake that could breach and collapse. 

7. Home and Landscaping for Fire, Wind and Hurricane Protection 

My 120 acres in Colorado burned over in a summer afternoon dry-lightning strike. The metal roof and cleared area around the home saved it. You can find lots of tips online. Brick homes offer improved protection for fire and hurricane. 

8. Robust Transportation for Evacuation and Rescue 

Isolated mountain towns in North Carolina still without power and water after Helene prove the importance of multiple transportation options, first for evacuation, then for resupply.  

9. Community Commitment to Clear Fire Fuel 

A friend who lives in the California Gold Rush hills has a daily ritual of clearing the dead limbs and leaves that can spread fire. Ideally your future community in Georgia shares this strategic vision.  

10. A Community with an Updated Disaster Plan 

Avoid towns with a blasé attitude about disaster preparedness. Hurricane Helene showed that terrible hurricane outcomes are possible far inland. 

We wrote this with the hope it won’t happen to you. We’re Bellhop Movers, experts at affordable, stress-free local and long-distance moves. We can handle long-distance moves in Atlanta, or cross-country moves from Los Angeles. We care about your goods and our reputation. So check us out today for your next move.