City of Baltimore hazard data

Baltimore, MD Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative heat wave risk for the City of Baltimore as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.217 per year for the area.

#1 of 5 covered Maryland cities for heat wave risk β†’FEMA relative score 98.9/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

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

FEMA's profile for the City of Baltimore reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.217 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

1.217 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
585,581
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
98.9/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for City of Baltimore.

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

98.9/100

FEMA annualized frequency
1.217 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$9M
Recorded events
17.439366589513938

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 City of Baltimore. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Heat wave risk in Baltimore

For Baltimore, FEMA rates heat wave risk for the City of Baltimore as relatively high, with a relative score of 98.9/100. The next highest relative scores are strong wind at 96.6/100 and hurricane at 95.5/100.

Using FEMA data for the City of Baltimore, Baltimore is #1 among 5 covered Maryland entries for heat wave risk. Columbia is about 15 straight-line miles from the Baltimore map point; its FEMA figures cover Howard 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 Baltimore? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Baltimore. All FEMA figures on this page cover the City of Baltimore.

Loading map…
City
Baltimore, MD
FEMA data area
City of Baltimore
County FIPS
24510

Questions about disaster risk in Baltimore

The FEMA figures cover the City of Baltimore. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much heat wave risk does Baltimore, MD have?

FEMA rates relative heat wave risk for the City of Baltimore as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 1.217 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Baltimore rank for heat wave risk in Maryland?

Among 5 Maryland cities covered by this directory, Baltimore is #1 for relative heat wave risk based on FEMA's score for the City of Baltimore. Homes within Baltimore can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Baltimore?

In FEMA's data for the City of Baltimore, the highest relative ratings are Heat Wave (Relatively High), Strong Wind (Relatively High), and Hurricane (Relatively Moderate). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Baltimore or the City of Baltimore?

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

Is Baltimore safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives the City of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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
Columbia, MD15 miRelatively Moderate93.4
Washington, DC35 miRelatively High97.6
Arlington, VA39 miRelatively Moderate76.3
Alexandria, VA42 miRelatively Moderate88.4
Frederick, MD44 miRelatively Moderate93.4

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.

View product
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls

Pets

PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls

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

View product
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

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

View product

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.