Community Risk & Solution Highlights

Report Overview

Future Proof Community-Level Reports are a comprehensive ranking of current and future extreme weather risks to consider in your area. This information will empower you with a set of recommendations to protect yourself, loved ones, and your property [investment].

Based on your property’s postal code risk calculations which incorporate local disaster factors along with surrounding conditions such as neighboring properties, daily climate (humidity, wind, proximity to water), fire protection, and community support services that influence survivability during extreme weather.

Remediation suggestions from Magic Window® address community-level risk reduction. For property-specific construction plans, budgets, and specifications, subscribers can use the upcoming Future Proof – XHome Survey™ application for tailored remodeling recommendations, including the materials and construction methods required for your unique property.

What’s inside and Why

In the next decade, $1.47 trillion of home value in the United States could vanish as expanding extreme weather dangers are predicted to impact as many as 48 million properties (43.7 % of homes] and 120 million people (35.2% of the population]. With insurance safety nets failing and government programs withdrawn, communities are left unprotected.

Selected Hazards Addressed

• Wildfire—fire-resistant materials, defensible space.
• Flood—elevation, home barriers, drainage.
• Tornado—reinforced safe rooms, wind-rated construction and modifications.
• Hurricane—impact-resistant windows, roof tie-downs.
• Drought—water generation, storage, xeriscaping.
• Heat—reflective roofing, ventilation upgrades.
• Seismic—structural bracing, foundation reinforcement.
• Precipitation—enhanced roofing, sealing, runoff control.

Extreme Weather Risk Trends

Environmental hazards in your region are evolving with impacts that require both immediate attention and long-term planning. Homeowners, planners, and investors should consider this perspective when setting your priorities today and preparing for future adaptation. In the chart below, view trends in your area of extreme weather risk changes for specific hazards today, in three years, and in 25 years.

Hazard	Today	In 3 Years	In 25 Years	Projected Trend
Flood	Very High	Very High	Very High	↔ Persistent
Wind	High	Very High	Very High	⬆ Risk
Drought	Low	Low	Low	↔ Persistent

Overview

Over the next three years, the risk evolution for this location is as follows:

• Today: Flood risk is very high, wind risk is high, and drought risk is low.
• Next 3 Years: Flood risk remains very high, wind risk increases to very high, and drought risk remains low.
• In 25 Years: Flood risk remains very high, wind risk remains very high, and drought risk remains low.

These projections indicate a persistent flood risk and an increasing wind risk over the next three years, with no significant change in drought risk.

Highlighted Extreme Weather

Here is an assessment of the environmental hazards for the property at 3911 Majestic Street, Houston, Texas:

Hazard	Risk Level (Today)	Risk Level (Next 36 Months)	3-Year Change	Potential Consequences	Potential Avoided Loss
Flood	Very High	Very High	↔ Persistent	- Structural damage to buildings - Loss of personal property - Displacement of residents	$50,000 - $200,000
Wind	High	High	↔ Persistent	- Roof damage - Broken windows - Downed trees and power lines	$10,000 - $50,000
Drought	Low	Low	↔ Persistent	- Reduced water supply - Agricultural losses - Increased fire risk	$5,000 - $20,000
Wildfire	Very Low	Very Low	↔ Persistent	- Property damage - Smoke inhalation - Loss of vegetation	$1,000 - $5,000
Earthquake	Very Low	Very Low	↔ Persistent	- Structural damage - Ground shaking - Potential for landslides	$2,000 - $10,000

Houston's flood risk remains a significant concern, with the property situated in a very high-risk zone. Recent studies indicate that over 5 million residents in Texas live or work in flood-prone areas, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. (apnews.com) It's crucial to implement flood mitigation measures and consider comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against potential losses.

Local Hazard History (Past 30 Years)

• 2024: On May 16, a derecho struck the Gulf Coast, causing widespread damage in Houston and surrounding areas. The storm produced winds up to 100 mph and resulted in at least seven fatalities. (en.wikipedia.org)

• 2023: On January 24, an EF-3 tornado impacted Harris County, causing significant damage along its 23.66-mile path. The tornado led to injuries and extensive property damage. (en.wikipedia.org)

• 2017: In August, Hurricane Harvey made landfall, bringing catastrophic flooding to Harris County. The storm caused over 100 fatalities and resulted in approximately $125 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. (en.wikipedia.org)

• 2016: In April, the Tax Day Floods occurred, leading to extensive flooding in northern Harris County. The event resulted in significant property damage and several fatalities. (hcfcd.org)

• 2008: In September, Hurricane Ike struck Galveston Island, causing storm surges that flooded approximately 2,500 structures in Harris County. The storm also brought rainfall that led to flooding in an additional 1,200 structures. (hcfcd.org)

Why this Matters

The history of severe weather events in Harris County underscores the critical need for proactive mitigation strategies. The region's flat topography, high urbanization, and proximity to the Gulf Coast make it particularly susceptible to flooding and tropical cyclones. Implementing effective mitigation measures is essential to reduce the impact of future disasters and enhance community resilience. (houstonchronicle.com)

Home Vulnerabilities: Recommended Actions & Costs

This residence in Houston, Texas, is situated in an area with a high flood risk, a significant wind risk, and a moderate drought risk. Flooding poses the most immediate threat, necessitating measures such as elevating utilities, installing flood barriers, and enhancing drainage systems. High winds, common during severe storms, require reinforcing the structure with impact-resistant windows, securing the roof, and maintaining trees to prevent damage. Drought conditions, though less frequent, can lead to water shortages; implementing water-efficient landscaping, installing smart irrigation systems, and capturing rainwater are effective strategies. Addressing these hazards in order of priority will enhance the home's resilience, reduce potential damage, and may qualify homeowners for insurance discounts and rebates that offset initial costs.

Flood Risk

Houston's flat topography and extensive bayou system make it highly susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall and hurricanes. The city's infrastructure, including the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, plays a crucial role in flood control. Homeowners should proactively implement flood mitigation measures to protect their properties.

Risk Level	Recommended Upgrade	Why It Helps	Est. Cost (Project)	Est. Cost per Unit	Product Link
10/10	Elevate HVAC Units	Raising HVAC systems above expected flood levels prevents water damage and ensures functionality during floods.	$5,000	$5,000	Carrier
10/10	Install Flood Barriers	Deployable barriers around entry points prevent water intrusion during flood events.	$2,000	$200	Quick Dam
10/10	Upgrade to Flood-Resistant Materials	Using materials like concrete or pressure-treated wood in flood-prone areas reduces water damage.	$10,000	$10,000	BASF
10/10	Implement Sump Pumps	Sump pumps remove accumulated water from basements and crawlspaces, reducing flood risk.	$1,500	$1,500	Zoeller
10/10	Maintain Gutters and Downspouts	Regular cleaning ensures proper water flow, preventing overflow and potential flooding.	$300	$300	Gutter Helmet

Note: All prices are estimated on available unit prices as of report date. Quantities must be confirmed via a XHome Survey virtual inspection to calculate accurate project labor and material cost.

Wind Risk

Houston's coastal location exposes it to high winds from hurricanes and severe storms. Strengthening the home's structure and securing loose items can mitigate wind damage.

Risk Level	Recommended Upgrade	Why It Helps	Est. Cost (Project)	Est. Cost per Unit	Product Link
9/10	Install Impact-Resistant Windows	These windows withstand high winds and debris, reducing the risk of breakage.	$15,000	$500	Pella
9/10	Secure Roof with Hurricane Straps	Reinforcing the roof with straps prevents uplift during high winds.	$2,000	$2,000	Simpson Strong-Tie
9/10	Maintain Trees and Shrubs	Proper pruning reduces wind resistance and the risk of falling branches.	$500	$500	Arbor Day Foundation
9/10	Install Garage Door Reinforcements	Strengthening garage doors prevents them from collapsing under wind pressure.	$1,000	$1,000	FEMA
9/10	Use Shatterproof Window Films	Applying films to existing windows enhances their resistance to windborne debris.	$1,200	$1,200	3M

Note: All prices are estimated on available unit prices as of report date. Quantities must be confirmed via a XHome Survey virtual inspection to calculate accurate project labor and material cost.

Drought Risk

While Houston experiences occasional droughts, the risk is moderate compared to other hazards. Implementing water conservation measures can help mitigate the impact of water shortages.

Risk Level	Recommended Upgrade	Why It Helps	Est. Cost (Project)	Est. Cost per Unit	Product Link
4/10	Install Smart Irrigation Systems	These systems adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, conserving water.	$1,500	$1,500	Rachio
4/10	Use Native, Drought-Tolerant Plants	Native plants require less water and are more resilient during dry periods.	$500	$500	Native American Seed
4/10	Implement Rainwater Harvesting	Collecting rainwater for irrigation reduces dependence on municipal water systems.	$2,000	$2,000	RainHarvest Systems
4/10	Apply Mulch to Landscaping	Mulch retains soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.	$300	$300	The Home Depot
4/10	Install Drip Irrigation Systems	Drip systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation.	$800	$800	DripWorks

Note: All prices are estimated on available unit prices as of report date. Quantities must be confirmed via a XHome Survey virtual inspection to calculate accurate project labor and material cost.

Insurance Discounts & Savings

Insurance premium costs are escalating due to more frequent and costly disasters. Insurance companies are leaving markets. Property owners either can’t get covered, are facing huge premium increases, and subsequent loss of insurance which leads to home loss and foreclosures.

Mitigating specific risks through home upgrades may make you eligible for premium discounts through your insurance carrier.

In Houston, Texas, certain hazards have been identified with risk scores of 9 or higher, indicating a significant potential for damage. Implementing specific upgrades can not only enhance your home's resilience but also make you eligible for insurance premium discounts.

Hazard	Upgrade Option	Program	Requirement	Discount %	Annual Savings
Flood	Elevation	NFIP	Elevate home above Base Flood Elevation (BFE)	Up to 60%	Varies
Wind	Impact-Resistant Roofing	TWIA	Install impact-resistant roofing materials	19% to 33%	Varies
Wind	Wind-Resistant Features	TWIA	Reinforce garage doors, install storm shutters	Varies	Varies
Wind	FORTIFIED Home Designation	TWIA	Obtain FORTIFIED designation for wind resistance	Varies	Varies
Wind	Windstorm Inspection	TWIA	Pass windstorm inspection for coverage eligibility	Varies	Varies
Device-Based	Home Security System	Various Insurers	Install monitored home security system	5% to 15%	Varies

Note: Annual savings are based on average insurance discounts, energy/water reductions available in your area, avoidable losses are estimated on your community (actual results may vary).

Note: Submitting documentation and proof is critical for both insurance and public funding. Attach forms when submitting evidence of qualified upgrades.

Funding Sources – Resources for Paying for Remediation

Available resources may assist you with the cost of upgrades listed and recommended in this report. Some sources are tied to hazards, while others are general-purpose.

Hazard	Program	Type	Est. Value	Notes
Flood Risk	Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program	Federal Grant	Varies	Provides funds for projects to reduce or eliminate the risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flood Risk	Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF)	State Loan/Grant	Varies	Offers financial assistance for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects in Texas.
Flood Risk	Harris County CDBG-MIT Program	Local Grant	Varies	Supports flood mitigation projects in Harris County, including drainage improvements and infrastructure enhancements.
Wind Risk	Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program	Federal Grant	Varies	Supports hazard mitigation projects that reduce disaster risk in communities, including wind-resistant infrastructure.
Wind Risk	Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)	State Insurance Program	Varies	Provides windstorm and hail insurance coverage for eligible properties in designated catastrophe areas.

Please note that funding values and program details are subject to change. It's advisable to consult the respective program websites or contact program administrators for the most current information.

Savings Summary (Annual Estimates)

Upfront investments in completed resilience upgrades pay off through reduced damage risk, lower premiums, utility savings, and rebate reimbursements.

Savings Category	Sub-Category	1-Year	3-Year	5-Year
Insurance Discounts
	Floodproofing (elevating structure, installing barriers)	$300–$500	$900–$1,500	$1,500–$2,500
	Windstorm mitigation (roof reinforcement, impact-resistant windows)	$200–$400	$600–$1,200	$1,000–$2,000
	Subtotal – Insurance Discounts	$500–$900	$1,500–$2,700	$2,500–$4,500
Direct Costs Avoided
	Flood damage reduction	$5,000	$15,000	$25,000
	Windstorm damage reduction	$3,000	$9,000	$15,000
	Subtotal – Direct Costs	$8,000	$24,000	$40,000
Indirect Costs Avoided
	Smoke damage, evacuation costs, displacement	$500	$1,500	$2,500
	Heat-related health risks (cooling, medical, productivity)	$250	$750	$1,500
	Subtotal – Indirect Costs	$750	$2,250	$4,000
Utility Savings
	Cool roof, attic venting, HVAC upgrades	$150	$450	$800
	Smart irrigation & xeriscaping	$100	$300	$600
	Subtotal – Utility Savings	$250	$750	$1,400
Rebates & Grants
	Turf replacement, rainwater capture rebates	$500	$1,500	$2,500
	CEA seismic retrofit grant (if eligible)	$1,000	$3,000	$3,000
	Subtotal – Rebates & Grants	$1,500	$4,500	$5,500
	Total Potential Annual Savings	$15,000–$16,400	$32,500–$36,200	$53,400–$55,400

Annual savings are based on average insurance discounts, energy/water reductions, and estimated avoided losses (actual results may vary). Having documentation and proof is critical for both insurance and public funding; attach forms when submitting evidence of upgrades. Before major work, confirm eligibility for rebates or grants—some programs are first-come, first-served and may have deadlines.

Regulations and Policies

Important environmental, insurance, and building code regulations that apply to your region are highlighted in the chart below. State and local requirements that may affect your ability to complete upgrades, qualify for funding, or reduce insurance costs are included. Some programs are mandatory for insurance eligibility, while others are voluntary but provide financial or permitting advantages.

Hazard Type	Regulation / Policy Name	Program Type	Enforcement
Flood Risk	National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)	Federal Program	Mandatory for properties in flood-prone areas
Flood Risk	Harris County Stormwater Quality (SWQ) Permit	Local Permit	Required for new developments and significant redevelopments
Wind Risk	Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Building Code	State Building Code	Mandatory for windstorm insurance eligibility
Wind Risk	Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Windstorm Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8)	State Certification	Required for windstorm insurance eligibility
Stormwater Management	Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program	Local Program	Enforces stormwater management and pollution prevention
Stormwater Management	Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)	Regulatory Requirement	Required for construction sites discharging stormwater	(houstonpermittingcenter.org)

Please note that while some programs are mandatory for insurance eligibility, others are voluntary but provide financial or permitting advantages. It's advisable to consult with local authorities or a professional to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Links and Resources

Below are local and federal agencies, organizations, and programs that support disaster mitigation and resilience upgrades in your region.

Resource/Agency	Website / Contact
City of Houston's Disaster Recovery Mitigation Program	https://houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery/dr-mit/
Harris County Flood Control District	https://www.hcfcd.org/
Texas General Land Office (GLO) Disaster Recovery	https://www.glo.texas.gov/disaster-recovery
Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program	https://www.hud.gov/programoffices/commplanning/cdbg/dr
AlertHouston Public Alert System	https://www.houstontx.gov/alerthouston/
Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA)	https://www.cimatexas.org/
Ike Dike Project	https://www.tamug.edu/ikedike/
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)	https://emacweb.org/

Community Resources

Here are local resources and programs available to assist with flood and wind hazards in Houston, Texas:

Resource/Agency	Description	Website / Contact Info
AlertHouston	The City of Houston's official emergency alert system, providing real-time notifications about severe weather, traffic disruptions, and other emergencies. Residents can register to receive alerts via text, email, or voice call.	AlertHouston Registration
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD)	A government agency dedicated to reducing the effects of flooding in Harris County. HCFCD offers resources, floodplain management assistance, and information on flood mitigation projects.	HCFCD Website
Houston Public Works - Floodplain Management Office	Provides comprehensive flood information, including flood zone determinations, elevation certificates, and guidance on floodproofing and mitigation techniques.	Floodplain Management Office
Resilient Houston	A city initiative aimed at enhancing Houston's resilience to natural disasters, including flooding and hurricanes, through strategic planning and community engagement.	Resilient Houston Plan
ReadyHarris Alerts	A service that allows residents to opt-in to receive notifications about events that may affect their home, workplace, or school, including severe weather events and hazardous material emergencies.	ReadyHarris Alerts
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)	Offers training to residents to support neighbors and strengthen local capacity in disaster response and recovery.	CERT Program

These resources are designed to help residents prepare for and respond to flood and wind hazards in the Houston area.

Annual Subscription

Like the weather, risk is constantly changing. A Future Proof subscription levels the playing field between homeowners and insurance carriers by providing annual, property-specific risk reports. Your subscription includes one property address report and renews annually.

Powered by IBM’s supercomputers—processing global data from academic institutions and agencies taking over two weeks—our forward-looking models deliver unmatched risk analysis. Just because your property is in the clear today means it will be tomorrow.. your insurance carrier knows, good idea you should too.

Your subscription keeps you ahead of shifting threats with annual updates and new features like our coming extreme weather alert system, enhancing protection and prevention for greater personal safety.

As disaster footprints expand and government support declines, staying in-formed is critical. Future Proof helps you protect your home, your family, and your future—because chance favors the prepared mind.

Muti-property Subscriptions

Own vacation properties, duplexes, or apartment buildings? Future Proof offers discounted multi-property address packages—each including added benefits like tailored construction enhancements and strategies to reduce costs. Packages renew on every property in your catalog annually.

Methodology and Data Sources

Future Proof’s methodology is simple: combine top insurance risk models with imaging from Apple, Google, EagleView, and our XHome Survey™ app to digitally deconstruct each property with AI.

We identify vulnerabilities, apply code-compliant engineering, and use climate-resilient materials to virtually remodel homes for durability. Leveraging 500B+ data points from IBM, NOAA, FEMA, and The Weather Co., we assess risks against America’s aging housing stock—averaging 60 years old.

With computer vision, we detect flaws, apply best practices, and deliver affordable, effective plans—then connect you with suppliers, contractors, and financing. We build a detailed property dossier and generate innovative AI-driven solutions no other service can match—helping protect families and addressing the growing insurance crisis.

Terms in our Universe

Remediation & Risk

In insurance and mortgage underwriting, remediation means upgrades that reduce a property’s vulnerability to hazards like fire, flood, or extreme weather. These improvements lower risk scores, qualify homeowners for premium discounts, grants, tax credits, and better mortgage terms. For lenders, remediation protects collateral value and reduces claim losses.

Insurance Underwriting

Insurance operates like a casino—betting your home won’t be hit. When too many properties in an area share high risk, insurers raise premiums, restrict coverage, or exit altogether. Future Proof™ changes this dynamic by combining precise risk identification on your property with engineered remediation. We help harden structures, reduce claims, and keep insurance viable for both owners and carriers.

Discounts & Incentives

Insurers use risk tables that factor in claims history, community data, and construction details such as materials, stories, elevation, and exposure to wildfire, flood, or storms. Future Proof analysis employs this data.

Programs & Codes

State and local programs often fund resilience upgrades—like fortified roofs, impact-resistant windows, drainage improvements, or wildfire defensible space—through grants, tax credits, or low-interest loans. At the same time, modern building codes increasingly require higher standards, even for retrofits. Future Proof’s XHome Survey™ reports align with 2024 International Building and Fire Codes and connect you with local departments to simplify compliance.

About Future Proof

Our roots go back to 2019, when The Paulele Hale Association a Hawai’i non-profit built the first 'Future Proof' home—designed to withstand wildfire heat up to 1200°F, 150 mph hurricane winds, earthquakes, and drought with autonomous water generation. Their insurance provider acknowledged its engineered resilience with a 15% discount, substantiating mitigation saves money.

What we do

The Future Proof Extreme Weather Community Risk and Mitigation Report, is generated by the Visionary AI Engine™ using the Magic Window® app.

With IBM Climate Intelligence models and Visionary AI’s deep learning knowledge base of construction we show how extreme weather may impact your property over the next 25+ years.

Magic Window is designed to inform property owners, assess community-level risk and generate disaster risk estimates and their potential impact, make remodeling recommendations, estimate savings, and provide resources to help reduce your property’s vulnerabilities.

The XHome Survey™ app (coming soon) creates a digital 3D twin of your property to inspect, then applies advanced engineering to deliver detailed remediation plans, budgets, financing options, with links to suppliers and contractors.

Future Proof’s holistic approach demonstrates how targeted remodeling improves safety, increases value, lowers insurance costs, and connects you with local resources.

Why we do it

Future Proof Intelligence PBC is a for profit, public benefit corporation with a legally mandated mission we actively pursue and report on to our shareholders, customers and the State of Delaware.

Have questions? For more about Future Proof, our AI Platform, your property and our mission to help protect it ask our FutureView agent “Malia”- visit futureproof.org