PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THOSE LOOKING TO MOVE TO A NEW RESIDENCE/AREA (non specific to the US/Northern Hemisphere. Or anywhere)
1. Look up floodplains/flood risk areas for that region. Add about 20% to the borders. (Even if that areas mapping isnt outdated, done with cheap tech, etc, WHICH IS IN NO WAY GUARANTEED many surveyors making such maps will tell you themselves global warming is moving such boundaries faster than we can accurately map them given their funding) Make decisions accordingly.
If sad area’s water management systems involves any amount of large levees, damns, retention ponds, etc., pls apply a mental modifier of the amount of water said infrastructure is meant to handle divided by 7 in case of worst case scenario. Not the one the government websites will tell you about, but the one their experts tell them to fear.
If said multiplier applies, please further google what to do in case of flooding-not just where to go, but what to do if you are forced to mobilize through said flood water, what not to do, and precautions to take. Also if the closest medical center of size has their backup systems in the basement or not. If so, make backup plans for if in need of medical care they cannot provide.
2. Look up where that area gets their water. If it is a river, look up local water rights laws/action and recent pollution scandals. If it is a reservoir, look up recent pollution scandals, water use schedules, and estimated timeline before it is dry. If its well water, look up local pollution scandals (water and ground) and any abnormal medical condition rates in the area. If some kind of authority had put out a statement saying no such medical phenomena is occurring, it absolutely is.
3. Look up average air quality rates. Take into account recent years numbers more so than decade long ones, project they will get worse in the future. Because they will get worse in the future.
4. Related to 3- look up common natural disasters in that area. How often, what kind, what severity, what to do in case of emergency, WHAT TO HAVE PREPPED/PLANNED in case of emergency. That includes for pets, evacuation routes and their backups, sensitive medical equipment, potential medication refills even while the area goes thru recovery, etc. I’d recommend you train your pets that should any kind of alarm go off (fire, storm, etc) go off, they go to the front door. That trick saves lives, furry and human.
Also, look up said area’s way of handling downed power lines, ruptured water mains, etc. The main strategy is to avoid as much as possible, but for densely developed or hard to navigate areas that policy has taken lives, most recently notably during the recent Haw’aii fires where downed power lines boxed people in- there is now a policy in place to shut off electricity in case of severe wind, making navigating down power lines a possibility but only if people are aware it exists. Be aware of any all such local policies.
5. Look up problematic pests you may not be aware of in that area. The internet can be less than helpful in getting that kind of hyper specific info quickly should It Happen To You, so save yourself the panic googling.
6. Look up a food desert map. Just x those areas out if possible, if not look into home growing situations- hydroponics, plant pots, etc. It helps more than you think, and gives you more independence to boot.
7. If available, look up local wind tunnels created by infrastructure. If you can, avoid them- structures are usually not rated to deal with such constant shear forces even if the builder swears they are rated for them in general and therefore everything is fine. Also, it will be miserable. If you can’t or are in financial straits, housing will be cheaper along wind tunnels, but prep your own structural reinforcement measures as best as you can. Triangle corner reinforcements, ‘decorative’ ceiling bracing beams, whatever you can get done will help given your confident it won’t fall and give you a concussion.
8. In the finer process of selecting an exact home/dwelling, look up where the sun shines on the building, and your potential windows in particular. Take into account that dawn/dusk is more harsh for ozone exposure levels. Apply this number directly to how warm you are willing to have your new home be day to day, and or how high you can manage with your utilities bill.
9. Once the home is purchased, do a full check of all appliances. I am not just talking about the ones you use day to day, but also the vents, pipes, emergency systems such as fire alarms, etc. (if you feel unable to do so competently, get your local handyman some enrichment) Add mesh screens to vents if you think there is even the smallest chance you may be in an area of fire risk- 1/8” size or smaller, and METAL or otherwise non corrosive/melty. Check any attic or crawl spaces for pests, mold, or water leakage. Water problems=mold problems btw, you just may not be able to see it with your human eyeballs. Restock/create your go-bag for local conditions-one for everyone you love as well, including furry friends. Have more water/medical supplies/food/batteries/light sources/clothes/bedding in reserve than you think you will need- take whatever you’re thinking and double or triple it. Also, consider adding don’t-go-crazy fodder- comfort items like stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, favorite books or other non electronic activities. Keeping stress down while in an emergency situation can save your life, and that of others.
Finally, if said area is a high heat area (a fate that is swiftly coming for us all), set up a method for which neighbors can check in with one another. Without government infrastructure to prevent heat related health problems and death, someone that is becoming a theme internationally even in areas struggling the most with such problems, it has been repeatedly been shown that community outreach programs no matter how informal are the single best ways to bring down heat wave related deaths. This applies as well to high population/density areas, such as slums and megacities. Be neighborly, yall. We’re all the boat of climate change bullshit together.
