Appleton Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 234,701 and a calculated risk score of 57.6, Appleton faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Appleton, WI. Life in Appleton comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for tornadoes.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Appleton a Risk Score of 57.650 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Tornado and Heat Wave.
Tornado risk in Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton is susceptible to severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Weather patterns in this region can generate sudden rotational storms that give residents very little warning time compared to other hazards.
Appleton Tornado Safety
- •Identify an interior room without windows on the lowest floor
- •Monitor NOAA weather radio during spring storm season
- •Clear yard of potential projectiles before storms arrive
Top Hazards for The Appleton Area
The geographical layout of Wisconsin means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these tornado scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 89.0. Staying off the roads during a severe tornado event is the safest choice.
For residents of Wisconsin, it is well known that local patterns show a recurring trend of heat wave activity. Moreover statistical analysis places this risk level at 87.7/100, requiring attention. For new residents, understanding the severity of heat waves in their specific zip code is vital.
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Wisconsin, winter weather constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 78.2 is statistically significant. For new residents, understanding the severity of winter weather in their specific zip code is vital.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Appleton has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Appleton? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Appleton
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Appleton, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 2Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 3Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 4Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 5Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
Essential Gear for Appleton
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Tornado now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 91.1 | Milwaukee and Appleton share similar regional risks, but our data gives Appleton the edge in overall safety. |
| Madison | 86.9 | When compared to Madison, Appleton is statistically safer. The difference of 29.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Green Bay | 68.6 | Green Bay and Appleton share similar regional risks, but our data gives Appleton the edge in overall safety. |
| Racine | 65.0 | Racine and Appleton share similar regional risks, but our data gives Appleton the edge in overall safety. |
| Kenosha | 68.8 | When compared to Kenosha, Appleton is statistically safer. The difference of 11.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Tornados in Appleton?
With a risk score of 89.0 for Tornado, Appleton is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Tornado events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Appleton safer than other cities in Wisconsin?
It varies by hazard. While Appleton has its own risk profile (Total Score: 57.6), it is generally comparable to the average in Wisconsin. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Appleton given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 87.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Appleton is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Appleton compare to other cities in Wisconsin?
See the full Wisconsin Disaster Rankings to see how Appleton stacks up against other cities in the state.