Elizabeth Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 135,887 and a calculated risk score of 88.7, Elizabeth faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Elizabeth, NJ. The community in Elizabeth is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of heat wave activity.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Elizabeth sits at a Risk Score of 88.706. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Heat Wave and River Flooding.
Top Hazards for The Elizabeth Area
Meteorological data for New Jersey confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating heat waves. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.3. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
As population density grows in New Jersey, future climate projections suggest an uptick in river flooding severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 97.3/100. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Meteorological data for New Jersey confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating coastal flooding. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 95.2. Understanding the difference between a coastal flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Elizabeth? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Elizabeth
Read the Full Guide →Extreme heat is a silent killer in Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth
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 →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton | 89.4 | Trenton and Elizabeth share similar regional risks, but our data gives Elizabeth the edge in overall safety. |
| Newark | 89.3 | Choosing between Elizabeth and Newark? Elizabeth presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Jersey City | 93.2 | When compared to Jersey City, Elizabeth is statistically safer. The difference of 4.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Paterson | 84.4 | When compared to Paterson, Elizabeth is slightly higher risk. The difference of 4.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Elizabeth?
With a risk score of 98.3 for Heat Wave, Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth safer than other cities in New Jersey?
It varies by hazard. While Elizabeth has its own risk profile (Total Score: 88.7), it is generally comparable to the average in New Jersey. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Elizabeth given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 97.3) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Elizabeth is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Elizabeth compare to other cities in New Jersey?
See the full New Jersey Disaster Rankings to see how Elizabeth stacks up against other cities in the state.