Brooklyn Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 2,736,074 and a calculated risk score of 97.2, Brooklyn faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Brooklyn, NY. Life in Brooklyn comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for heat waves.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Brooklyn sits at a Risk Score of 97.220. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Heat Wave and River Flooding.
Top Hazards for The Brooklyn Area
Long-standing weather records for New York indicate citizens here are statistically more likely to encounter heat waves. Crucially, an analytical review of past disasters puts the current risk tier at 99.7. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
Comparisons of local data to the rest of New York reveal, Brooklyn faces a critical challenge with river flooding events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 98.5, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Understanding the difference between a river flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
For residents of New York, it is well known that local patterns show a recurring trend of coastal flooding activity. Moreover statistical analysis places this risk level at 98.4/100, requiring attention. Homeowners should verify if their property requires a specialized flood policy annex.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Brooklyn? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Brooklyn
Read the Full Guide βExtreme heat is a silent killer in Brooklyn. It stresses the power grid and the human body. Your survival strategy should revolve around hydration, cooling, and backup power.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rain events.
- 2Know the location of your nearest cooling center.
- 3Have a backup power source for fans or medical devices.
- 4Cover windows with reflective material to keep heat out.
- 5Monitor local weather for 'Wet Bulb' temperature warnings.
Essential Gear for Brooklyn

Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.

Pets
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls
Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.
The best insurance against Heat Wave is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist βCompare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 96.2 | When compared to New York, Brooklyn is slightly higher risk. The difference of 1.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Queens | 96.2 | Choosing between Brooklyn and Queens? Brooklyn presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Manhattan | 94.2 | Choosing between Brooklyn and Manhattan? Brooklyn presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Bronx | 94.5 | When compared to Bronx, Brooklyn is slightly higher risk. The difference of 2.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Buffalo | 79.7 | Buffalo and Brooklyn share similar regional risks, but our data gives Buffalo the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Brooklyn?
With a risk score of 99.7 for Heat Wave, Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn safer than other cities in New York?
It varies by hazard. While Brooklyn has its own risk profile (Total Score: 97.2), it is among the higher-risk areas in New York. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Brooklyn given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 98.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Brooklyn is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Brooklyn compare to other cities in New York?
See the full New York Disaster Rankings to see how Brooklyn stacks up against other cities in the state.