Lehigh County hazard data

Allentown, PA Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative heat wave risk for Lehigh County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.239 per year for the area.

#2 of 9 covered Pennsylvania cities for heat wave risk β†’FEMA relative score 96.2/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Allentown's heat wave risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Lehigh County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.239 per year for heat wave. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

1.239 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
373,891
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
96.2/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Lehigh County.

FEMA NRI profile

Heat Wave

Relatively High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

96.2/100

FEMA annualized frequency
1.239 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$3M
Recorded events
20.003222880693514

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Lehigh County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Heat wave risk in Allentown

For Allentown, FEMA rates heat wave risk for Lehigh County as relatively high, with a relative score of 96.2/100. The next highest relative scores are winter weather at 96.1/100 and strong wind at 94.6/100.

Using FEMA data for Lehigh County, Allentown is #2 among 9 covered Pennsylvania entries for heat wave risk. Reading is about 30 straight-line miles from the Allentown map point; its FEMA figures cover Berks County.

What to check for heat wave

  • βœ“Check whether the cooling system can maintain a safe indoor temperature.
  • βœ“Plan for a power outage, including medications, pets, and a second place to stay.
  • βœ“Find the current local cooling-site and heat-alert information before summer.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Allentown? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Allentown. All FEMA figures on this page cover Lehigh County.

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City
Allentown, PA
FEMA data area
Lehigh County
County FIPS
42077

Questions about disaster risk in Allentown

The FEMA figures cover Lehigh County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much heat wave risk does Allentown, PA have?

FEMA rates relative heat wave risk for Lehigh County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 1.239 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Allentown rank for heat wave risk in Pennsylvania?

Among 9 Pennsylvania cities covered by this directory, Allentown is #2 for relative heat wave risk based on FEMA's score for Lehigh County. Homes within Allentown can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Allentown?

In FEMA's data for Lehigh County, the highest relative ratings are Heat Wave (Relatively High), Winter Weather (Relatively High), and Strong Wind (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Allentown or Lehigh County?

The hazard numbers cover Lehigh County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Allentown safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Lehigh County an overall relative risk rating of relatively moderate. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Allentown do first for heat wave preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceHeat Wave ratingRelative score
Reading, PA30 miRelatively High95.5
Philadelphia, PA44 miVery High99.9
Trenton, NJ45 miRelatively High98.2
Scranton, PA57 miRelatively Low55.6
Lancaster, PA58 miRelatively Moderate89.8

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for heat wave or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Jackery Explorer 300

Power

Jackery Explorer 300

Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.

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PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls

Pets

PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls

Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.

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Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

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Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.