Dover Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 128,045 and a calculated risk score of 76.5, Dover faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Dover, DE. Living in Dover offers a unique lifestyle. But like any location, it has unique set of risks. The most significant threat to be aware of is heat waves.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Dover sits at a Risk Score of 76.511. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Heat Wave and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The Dover Area
As population density grows in Delaware, future climate projections suggest an uptick in heat wave severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 93.8/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
Across the diverse landscape of Delaware, hurricane preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 89.7 is derived from granular local inputs. Protecting property involves elevating critical utilities above potential water lines.
The geographical layout of Delaware means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these winter weather scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 88.3. Staying off the roads during a severe winter weather event is the safest choice.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Dover has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Dover? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Dover
Read the Full Guide βExtreme heat is a silent killer in Dover. It stresses the power grid and the human body. Your survival strategy should revolve around hydration, cooling, and backup power.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Know the location of your nearest cooling center.
- 2Have a backup power source for fans or medical devices.
- 3Cover windows with reflective material to keep heat out.
- 4Monitor local weather for 'Wet Bulb' temperature warnings.
- 5Store electrolyte powder in your kit, not just plain water.
Essential Gear for Dover

Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.

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 Heat Wave is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist βCompare Nearby Cities
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Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Dover?
With a risk score of 93.8 for Heat Wave, Dover 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 Dover safer than other cities in Delaware?
It varies by hazard. While Dover has its own risk profile (Total Score: 76.5), it is generally comparable to the average in Delaware. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Dover given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 89.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Dover is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Dover compare to other cities in Delaware?
See the full Delaware Disaster Rankings to see how Dover stacks up against other cities in the state.