Alexandria Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 156,788 and a calculated risk score of 56.9, Alexandria faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Alexandria, VA. Settling down in Alexandria connects you to a vibrant community. However, it also comes with specific climate realities. Specifically, the area has a heightened risk of heat waves.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Alexandria sits at a Risk Score of 56.855. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Heat Wave and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The Alexandria Area
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Virginia, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the heat wave risk. It is important to note that this value of 88.4 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
Regional data for Virginia suggests that the area is historically prone to periods of hurricane. Consequently, the data-driven score of 85.4 underscores the need for preparedness. Community resilience depends on every household having a plan for hurricanes.
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Virginia, landslides constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 84.1 is statistically significant. Having an out-of-area contact is crucial when local communication lines inevitably fail.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Alexandria? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Alexandria
Read the Full Guide →Extreme heat is a silent killer in Alexandria. It stresses the power grid and the human body. Your survival strategy should revolve around hydration, cooling, and backup power.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Know the location of your nearest cooling center.
- 2Have a backup power source for fans or medical devices.
- 3Cover windows with reflective material to keep heat out.
- 4Monitor local weather for 'Wet Bulb' temperature warnings.
- 5Store electrolyte powder in your kit, not just plain water.
Essential Gear for Alexandria
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
The best insurance against Heat Wave is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 80.8 | When compared to Virginia Beach, Alexandria is statistically safer. The difference of 24.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Richmond | 59.3 | When compared to Richmond, Alexandria is statistically safer. The difference of 2.4 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Chesapeake | 84.4 | Chesapeake and Alexandria share similar regional risks, but our data gives Alexandria the edge in overall safety. |
| Arlington | 60.7 | Choosing between Alexandria and Arlington? Alexandria presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Norfolk | 85.5 | Norfolk and Alexandria share similar regional risks, but our data gives Alexandria the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Alexandria?
With a risk score of 88.4 for Heat Wave, Alexandria is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Heat Wave events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Alexandria safer than other cities in Virginia?
It varies by hazard. While Alexandria has its own risk profile (Total Score: 56.9), it is generally comparable to the average in Virginia. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Alexandria given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 85.4) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Alexandria is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Alexandria compare to other cities in Virginia?
See the full Virginia Disaster Rankings to see how Alexandria stacks up against other cities in the state.