Union County hazard data

Elizabeth, NJ Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative heat wave risk for Union County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.740 per year for the area.

#2 of 7 covered New Jersey cities for heat wave risk β†’FEMA relative score 98.3/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Elizabeth's heat wave risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Union County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.740 per year for heat wave. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

1.740 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
575,179
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
98.3/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Union County.

FEMA NRI profile

Heat Wave

Relatively High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

98.3/100

FEMA annualized frequency
1.740 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$5M
Recorded events
28.10684544984078

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Union County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Heat wave risk in Elizabeth

For Elizabeth, FEMA rates heat wave risk for Union County as relatively high, with a relative score of 98.3/100. The next highest relative scores are strong wind at 98.0/100 and riverine flooding at 97.3/100.

Using FEMA data for Union County, Elizabeth is #2 among 7 covered New Jersey entries for heat wave risk. Newark is about 4.2 straight-line miles from the Elizabeth map point; its FEMA figures cover Essex County.

What to check for heat wave

  • βœ“Check whether the cooling system can maintain a safe indoor temperature.
  • βœ“Plan for a power outage, including medications, pets, and a second place to stay.
  • βœ“Find the current local cooling-site and heat-alert information before summer.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Elizabeth? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Elizabeth. All FEMA figures on this page cover Union County.

Loading map…
City
Elizabeth, NJ
FEMA data area
Union County
County FIPS
34039

Questions about disaster risk in Elizabeth

The FEMA figures cover Union County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much heat wave risk does Elizabeth, NJ have?

FEMA rates relative heat wave risk for Union County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 1.740 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Elizabeth rank for heat wave risk in New Jersey?

Among 7 New Jersey cities covered by this directory, Elizabeth is #2 for relative heat wave risk based on FEMA's score for Union County. Homes within Elizabeth can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Elizabeth?

In FEMA's data for Union County, the highest relative ratings are Heat Wave (Relatively High), Strong Wind (Relatively High), and Riverine Flooding (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Elizabeth or Union County?

The hazard numbers cover Union County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Elizabeth safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Union County an overall relative risk rating of relatively moderate. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Elizabeth do first for heat wave preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceHeat Wave ratingRelative score
Newark, NJ4 miRelatively High98.6
Staten Island, NY6 miRelatively High95.8
Jersey City, NJ7 miRelatively High97.4
Brooklyn, NY13 miVery High99.7
Clifton, NJ14 miRelatively High95.4

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for heat wave or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Jackery Explorer 300

Power

Jackery Explorer 300

Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.

View product
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls

Pets

PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls

Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.

View product
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

View product

Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.