Common Questions.
Everything you need to know about our data, our mission, and how to use our reports for property due diligence.
General Platform
Is CheckDisaster free to use?
Yes. CheckDisaster is a 100% free tool designed to provide property risk transparency for the public. We do not require a sign-up, subscription, or credit card to access basic reports.
Is CheckDisaster a government website?
No. CheckDisaster is a private platform that utilizes official U.S. government public datasets (FEMA, NOAA, USGS) to create high-resolution risk reports for homeowners and buyers.
How do you make money?
To keep the platform free for everyone, we monetize through contextual advertising (Google AdSense) and occasional strategic partnerships with resilience and insurance professionals.
Data & Accuracy
Where does your data come from?
We pull directly from official geospatial pipelines, including the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI), NOAA Historical Storm Tracks, and USGS Seismic hazard datasets.
How often is the risk data updated?
We sync with our public data sources monthly to ensure the most recent FEMA benchmarks and NOAA historical trends are reflected in our reports.
Is the risk score an official determination?
No. Our scores are estimates based on regional historical modeling and geospatial data. They should not be used as the sole basis for purchasing insurance or making structural decisions. Always consult a professional.
Homeowner Specifics
Should I use this before buying a house?
Absolutely. Understanding environmental risk is a vital part of financial due diligence. Our reports help you identify potential 'escrow shocks' like high flood insurance premiums or seismic retrofitting needs.
Can disaster risk affect my property value?
Yes. High environmental risk can influence buyer sentiment, insurance availability, and long-term property liquidity, which in turn impacts market value.
What should I do if my risk score is high?
A high score is a signal to do deeper research. We recommend viewing our 'Resilience' and 'Preparedness' guides to learn about physical mitigation steps you can take to harden your home.
Still have questions?
Our data intelligence team is here to help you navigate property risks.