Burlington Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 154,504 and a calculated risk score of 65.1, Burlington faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Burlington, NC. Life in Burlington comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for winter weather.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Burlington a Risk Score of 65.099 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Winter Weather and Lightning.
Winter storm risk in Burlington, North Carolina
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Burlington, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Burlington Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Burlington Area
The geographical layout of North Carolina means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these winter weather scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 95.2. Staying off the roads during a severe winter weather event is the safest choice.
Meteorological data for North Carolina confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating lightning. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 91.5. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Across the diverse landscape of North Carolina, tornado preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 86.2 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Burlington has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Burlington? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Burlington
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Burlington. 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 Burlington

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 Winter Weather now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 88.3 | Charlotte and Burlington share similar regional risks, but our data gives Burlington the edge in overall safety. |
| Raleigh | 90.2 | When compared to Raleigh, Burlington is statistically safer. The difference of 25.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Winston-Salem | 73.3 | When compared to Winston-Salem, Burlington is statistically safer. The difference of 8.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Durham | 80.9 | Durham and Burlington share similar regional risks, but our data gives Burlington the edge in overall safety. |
| Greensboro | 81.4 | When compared to Greensboro, Burlington is statistically safer. The difference of 16.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Burlington?
With a risk score of 95.2 for Winter Weather, Burlington is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Burlington safer than other cities in North Carolina?
It varies by hazard. While Burlington has its own risk profile (Total Score: 65.1), it is generally comparable to the average in North Carolina. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Burlington given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 91.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Burlington is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Burlington compare to other cities in North Carolina?
See the full North Carolina Disaster Rankings to see how Burlington stacks up against other cities in the state.