Baton Rouge Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 630,063 and a calculated risk score of 98.4, Baton Rouge faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Baton Rouge, LA. The community in Baton Rouge is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of river flooding activity.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Baton Rouge a Risk Score of 98.390 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of River Flooding and Tornado.
Top Hazards for The Baton Rouge Area
When analyzing the risk profile of Louisiana, Baton Rouge's geography makes it particularly susceptible to river flooding risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.9. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
Meteorological data for Louisiana 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 99.3. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
When analyzing the risk profile of Louisiana, Baton Rouge's geography makes it particularly susceptible to lightning risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.2. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Baton Rouge? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Baton Rouge
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Baton Rouge. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Baton Rouge
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for River Flooding now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 94.9 | Choosing between Baton Rouge and New Orleans? Baton Rouge presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Shreveport | 85.6 | When compared to Shreveport, Baton Rouge is slightly higher risk. The difference of 12.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Lafayette | 97.1 | Lafayette and Baton Rouge share similar regional risks, but our data gives Lafayette the edge in overall safety. |
| Houma | 93.8 | Choosing between Baton Rouge and Houma? Baton Rouge presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Lake Charles | 95.4 | Lake Charles and Baton Rouge share similar regional risks, but our data gives Lake Charles the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Baton Rouge?
With a risk score of 99.9 for River Flooding, Baton Rouge is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Baton Rouge safer than other cities in Louisiana?
It varies by hazard. While Baton Rouge has its own risk profile (Total Score: 98.4), it is among the higher-risk areas in Louisiana. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Baton Rouge given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 99.3) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Baton Rouge is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Baton Rouge compare to other cities in Louisiana?
See the full Louisiana Disaster Rankings to see how Baton Rouge stacks up against other cities in the state.