As extreme weather events become more common, New Jerseyans feel their homes are protected but are concerned they could be facing rising costs and believe upgrades will be needed in the future, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. About three-quarters say their current housing is “very” (18 percent) or “somewhat” (57 percent) protected from extreme weather events such as hurricanes, major storms and flooding; 18 percent say their residence is “not very” protected, and 5 percent say “not at all.” Nevertheless, 7 in 10 say they feel either “very” (33 percent) or “somewhat” (36 percent) concerned about rising housing costs because of extreme weather events.
Moreover, a majority of residents think that most homes and buildings in New Jersey will need some kind of upgrade because of extreme weather occurrences in the next couple of decades, whether they are major (43 percent) or minor (41 percent); 8 percent don’t believe upgrades are needed and 9 percent are unsure. To read the full story.