Rental Homes in Serious Jeopardy: Fred Flinstone Reports on Extreme Weather Threats

Yabadabadoo! The Rental Housing Report

Hey there folks! It's your friendly neighborhood Fred Flinstone here reporting on some serious weather trouble for us renters. According to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies over 18 million rental units in the U.S. are facing climate and weather related hazards. And let me tell ya that's no joke!

Modern Stone Age Problems

The researchers combined data from FEMA's National Risk Index and the American Community Survey to figure out which rental units are in the line of fire. We're talking wildfires floods earthquakes hurricanes and more! It's like a modern Stone Age disaster movie folks!

When Weather Strikes

"The rental housing stock is ancient and it's not ready for all these extreme weather events," says Sophia Wedeen a research analyst at the Joint Center for Housing Studies. In 2023 alone we had a whopping 28 weather and climate disasters that cost a staggering $92.9 billion in damages! That's enough Bronto Burgers to feed a whole town!

Flooded with Risks

Here's a real rock kicker for ya: there are twice as many properties at risk of flooding than FEMA predicts! That means half the country is living in the dark about their flood risks. Talk about a prehistoric problem!"

Renters Stuck in Bedrock

"Well boo dabadoo!" cries Fred. It turns out that renters in manufactured housing and low rent units are the most vulnerable. They can't always afford to move away from the risks leaving them stuck between a rock and a hard place. "It's a real compounding risk folks. The more climate hazards increase the harder it is for those who can't afford to flee!"

Comments from the Cave

Comment 1: "Fred you're a real Bedrock hero for bringing attention to this issue." Comment 2: "Watch out for those boulders when you're moving Fred!" Comment 3: "Flintstones meet the Flintstones they're a modern refugee family!" Comment 4: "Hey Fred what's the best way to protect my dinosaurs from floods?" Comment 5: "I bet Fred would trade his car for a boat during a flood!" Comment 6: "Do you think Dino is scared of earthquakes Fred?" Comment 7: "Our homes might be ancient but at least we've got a good sense of humor right Fred?" Comment 8: "I don't need to worry about climate hazards I live in the Stone Age!" Comment 9: "Fred you should start a Bedrock disaster relief fund!" Comment 10: "Yabba dabba doo! Climate change is no laughing matter but Fred Flinstone sure knows how to make it funny!"