Baltimore Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 2,189,589 and a calculated risk score of 90.7, Baltimore faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Baltimore, MD. The community in Baltimore is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of heat wave activity.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Baltimore sits at a Risk Score of 90.695. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Heat Wave and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The Baltimore Area
Meteorological data for Maryland confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating heat waves. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.9. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Historically, the climate of Maryland dictates that historical precedents show that hurricanes are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 95.5. Residents in low-lying zones should have evacuation routes mapped out well in advance.
Meteorological data for Maryland confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating tornadoes. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 94.0. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Baltimore? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Baltimore
Read the Full Guide →Extreme heat is a silent killer in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown | 57.1 | Hagerstown and Baltimore share similar regional risks, but our data gives Hagerstown the edge in overall safety. |
| Frederick | 69.8 | Choosing between Baltimore and Frederick? Baltimore presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Waldorf | 60.0 | Waldorf and Baltimore share similar regional risks, but our data gives Waldorf the edge in overall safety. |
| Columbia | 71.1 | When compared to Columbia, Baltimore is slightly higher risk. The difference of 19.6 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Baltimore?
With a risk score of 98.9 for Heat Wave, Baltimore 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 Baltimore safer than other cities in Maryland?
It varies by hazard. While Baltimore has its own risk profile (Total Score: 90.7), it is among the higher-risk areas in Maryland. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Baltimore given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 95.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Baltimore is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Baltimore compare to other cities in Maryland?
See the full Maryland Disaster Rankings to see how Baltimore stacks up against other cities in the state.