HAZARD

Drought

Slow-moving — it stresses water supply, foundations, and raises wildfire risk downstream.

FEMA National Risk Index & Ready.gov (reviewed) · reviewed 2026-07-06

What raises the risk

• Arid or semi-arid regions with multi-year precipitation deficits.
• Reliance on wells or reservoirs that are drawing down.
• Expansive clay soils that shift and crack as they dry.

How to prepare

• Conserve water and fix leaks; consider drought-tolerant landscaping.
• Watch for foundation cracks on clay soils and keep soil moisture even around the home.
• Because drought feeds wildfire, keep vegetation managed near the house too.

Insurance

Drought itself is rarely an insurable event, but resulting foundation or soil damage may be limited or excluded. Ask a licensed agent what your policy covers.