Colorado Springs Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 638,421 and a calculated risk score of 91.0, Colorado Springs faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado Springs is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that lightning rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Colorado Springs a Risk Score of 90.991 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Lightning and Wildfire.
Top Hazards for The Colorado Springs Area
As population density grows in Colorado, future climate projections suggest an uptick in lightning severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 99.8/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
When analyzing the risk profile of Colorado, Colorado Springs's geography makes it particularly susceptible to wildfire risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 98.2. Residents should subscribe to local 'Red Flag' alerts to stay ahead of rapid ignitions.
Given the environmental patterns common in Colorado, the potential for tornadoes in Colorado Springs stands out as a primary factor. Additionally, this score of 97.7 reflects both the frequency and potential severity of events. During these events, checking on elderly neighbors is a critical community responsibility.
Monitor Active Threats
Colorado Springs has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Colorado Springs? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Colorado Springs
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs
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 Lightning now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 90.3 | Denver and Colorado Springs share similar regional risks, but our data gives Denver the edge in overall safety. |
| Aurora | 91.8 | Aurora and Colorado Springs share similar regional risks, but our data gives Colorado Springs the edge in overall safety. |
| Fort Collins | 90.9 | Fort Collins and Colorado Springs share similar regional risks, but our data gives Fort Collins the edge in overall safety. |
| Lakewood | 92.5 | Choosing between Colorado Springs and Lakewood? Colorado Springs presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Greeley | 84.3 | When compared to Greeley, Colorado Springs is slightly higher risk. The difference of 6.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Colorado Springs?
With a risk score of 99.8 for Lightning, Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs safer than other cities in Colorado?
It varies by hazard. While Colorado Springs has its own risk profile (Total Score: 91.0), it is among the higher-risk areas in Colorado. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Colorado Springs given the risk of Wildfire?
Every city has risks. The threat of Wildfire (Score: 98.2) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Colorado Springs is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Colorado Springs compare to other cities in Colorado?
See the full Colorado Disaster Rankings to see how Colorado Springs stacks up against other cities in the state.