Birmingham Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 778,756 and a calculated risk score of 94.9, Birmingham faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Birmingham, AL. Calling Birmingham home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to river flooding.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Birmingham a Risk Score of 94.856 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of River Flooding and Tornado.
Top Hazards for The Birmingham Area
Considering the historical weather trends in Alabama, data indicates that Birmingham has a higher-than-average exposure to river flooding. It is important to note that this metric (score: 99.6) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
As part of the wider Alabama region, the threat of tornadoes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 99.5. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
As part of the wider Alabama region, the threat of heat waves should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 96.3. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Birmingham? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Birmingham
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Birmingham. 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 Birmingham
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 River Flooding now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville | 87.5 | When compared to Huntsville, Birmingham is slightly higher risk. The difference of 7.4 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Mobile | 98.0 | Mobile and Birmingham share similar regional risks, but our data gives Birmingham the edge in overall safety. |
| Montgomery | 80.0 | When compared to Montgomery, Birmingham is slightly higher risk. The difference of 14.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Tuscaloosa | 81.0 | When compared to Tuscaloosa, Birmingham is slightly higher risk. The difference of 13.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Auburn | 60.2 | Auburn and Birmingham share similar regional risks, but our data gives Auburn the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Birmingham?
With a risk score of 99.6 for River Flooding, Birmingham 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 Birmingham safer than other cities in Alabama?
It varies by hazard. While Birmingham has its own risk profile (Total Score: 94.9), it is among the higher-risk areas in Alabama. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Birmingham given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 99.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Birmingham is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Birmingham compare to other cities in Alabama?
See the full Alabama Disaster Rankings to see how Birmingham stacks up against other cities in the state.