Denver Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 2,691,349 and a calculated risk score of 90.3, Denver faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Denver, CO. Settling down in Denver means embracing the local culture. However, it also comes with specific weather patterns. Specifically, the area has a heightened risk of tornadoes.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Denver a Risk Score of 90.283 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Tornado and Lightning.
Tornado risk in Denver, Colorado
Denver is susceptible to severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Weather patterns in this region can generate sudden rotational storms that give residents very little warning time compared to other hazards.
Denver Tornado Safety
- •Identify an interior room without windows on the lowest floor
- •Monitor NOAA weather radio during spring storm season
- •Clear yard of potential projectiles before storms arrive
Top Hazards for The Denver Area
Considering the historical weather trends in Colorado, data indicates that Denver has a higher-than-average exposure to tornadoes. It is important to note that this metric (score: 98.3) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
The geographical layout of Colorado means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these lightning scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 95.0. Staying off the roads during a severe lightning event is the safest choice.
Environmental studies focusing on Colorado highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from earthquake events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 84.6 score. Emergency kits must include shoes and gloves to navigate debris after an event.
Monitor Active Threats
Denver has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Denver? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Denver
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Denver, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 2Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 3Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 4Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
- 5Identify a basement or interior room without windows as your shelter.
Essential Gear for Denver
Water
COOZMENT 3.2 Gallon Container with Spigot
A solid middle-ground option with a built-in spigot. Good for camping or countertop use.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Tornado now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | 91.0 | When compared to Colorado Springs, Denver is statistically safer. The difference of 0.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Aurora | 91.8 | Aurora and Denver share similar regional risks, but our data gives Denver the edge in overall safety. |
| Fort Collins | 90.9 | Fort Collins and Denver share similar regional risks, but our data gives Denver the edge in overall safety. |
| Lakewood | 92.5 | Choosing between Denver and Lakewood? Denver presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Greeley | 84.3 | When compared to Greeley, Denver is slightly higher risk. The difference of 6.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Tornados in Denver?
With a risk score of 98.3 for Tornado, Denver is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Tornado events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Denver safer than other cities in Colorado?
It varies by hazard. While Denver has its own risk profile (Total Score: 90.3), it is among the higher-risk areas in Colorado. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Denver given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 95.0) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Denver is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Denver compare to other cities in Colorado?
See the full Colorado Disaster Rankings to see how Denver stacks up against other cities in the state.