Brockton Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 105,080 and a calculated risk score of 85.8, Brockton faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Brockton, MA. The landscape around Brockton defines much of daily life. Yet, the geography also exposes the area to certain threats. The risk of lightning is higher here than the national average.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Brockton sits at a Risk Score of 85.831. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Lightning and River Flooding.
Top Hazards for The Brockton Area
As population density grows in Massachusetts, future climate projections suggest an uptick in lightning severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 96.5/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
As population density grows in Massachusetts, future climate projections suggest an uptick in river flooding severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 94.7/100. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Historically, the climate of Massachusetts 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 94.0. Residents in low-lying zones should have evacuation routes mapped out well in advance.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Brockton? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Brockton
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Brockton. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rain events.
- 2Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 3Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 4Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 5Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
Essential Gear for Brockton
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 Lightning is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | 87.9 | Choosing between Brockton and Boston? Brockton presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Worcester | 88.5 | Choosing between Brockton and Worcester? Brockton presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Springfield | 74.0 | When compared to Springfield, Brockton is slightly higher risk. The difference of 11.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| New Bedford | 82.8 | When compared to New Bedford, Brockton is slightly higher risk. The difference of 3.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Cambridge | 93.8 | Choosing between Brockton and Cambridge? Brockton presents a lower overall risk profile. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Brockton?
With a risk score of 96.5 for Lightning, Brockton is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Brockton safer than other cities in Massachusetts?
It varies by hazard. While Brockton has its own risk profile (Total Score: 85.8), it is generally comparable to the average in Massachusetts. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Brockton given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 94.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Brockton is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Brockton compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
See the full Massachusetts Disaster Rankings to see how Brockton stacks up against other cities in the state.