Northeast Ohio isn’t known as a “high-risk” area for dangerous storms or wildfires. In fact, Cleveland is ranked as the #2 safest city in the country when it comes to natural disasters according to CBS news.

That doesn’t mean a natural disasters or weather-related events don’t happen here, though. Flooding and the occasional tornado have been known to damage homes in Northeast Ohio.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to experience what it’s like to have your home damaged or destroyed by severe weather. But, if you have ever wondered about how natural disasters can impact homeowners in the region, here are a few things you should know.

First Steps

If your house is damaged or destroyed by a weather-related event, there are three groups you should contact right away:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA is not just for hurricane survivors. If you need help after a disaster, contact this office to apply for aid.

Homeowners Insurance Company. From homeowners’ policies to flood insurance, you need to contact any property insurance coverage you may be paying for as soon as possible.

Your Mortgage Company. If you are still making payments on your home, let your mortgage company know what happened. They may be able to pause your monthly bill as you figure out next steps.

What Disasters Happen in Northeast Ohio?

While it’s impossible to predict every natural disaster, Northeast Ohio experiences some types of severe weather-related events more than other regions.

Since 2008, Ohioans as a whole have spent more money preparing for or recovering from flash flooding and tornadoes than any other natural disaster. Northeast Ohioans primarily experience flash flooding incidents.

What does this mean?

Make sure you have flood insurance! Not every home insurance policy includes this type of coverage, but you don’t want to be caught in a disaster without it.

What if Disaster Strikes While I am Buying a House?

If a home is severely damaged or destroyed after an appraisal and before closing, your mortgage company will have to determine if the property is still worth purchasing. You may be able to salvage your purchase at a new, much lower rate or even walk away.

No matter what, the home must be safe before the final sale can go through — even if that property is uninsured.

For properties damaged while funds are in escrow, most closing documents will have a clause about how to manage a disaster situation.

For Northeast Ohio homebuyers.

If you are purchasing a home during a potential “flash-flood season” (early Spring through Fall), make sure that your closing documents contain a flood-related “disaster clause.” While there is a relatively low risk for our region compared to other states, it never hurts to play it safe here!