Federal Way Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 99,232 and a calculated risk score of 99.5, Federal Way faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Federal Way, WA. Life in Federal Way comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for volcanoes.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Federal Way sits at a Risk Score of 99.511. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Volcano and Earthquake.
Top Hazards for The Federal Way Area
Given the environmental patterns common in Washington, the potential for volcanoes in Federal Way stands out as a primary factor. Additionally, this score of 100.0 reflects both the frequency and potential severity of events. Emergency kits must include shoes and gloves to navigate debris after an event.
Across the diverse landscape of Washington, earthquake preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 99.8 is derived from granular local inputs. A 'drop, cover, and hold on' drill should be practiced by every family member annually.
Historically, the climate of Washington dictates that historical precedents show that landslides are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 97.0. Securing heavy furniture and knowing how to shut off gas lines are top priorities here.
Monitor Active Threats
Federal Way has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Federal Way? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Federal Way
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Federal Way. 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 Federal Way
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 Volcano is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 99.5 | Seattle and Federal Way share similar regional risks, but our data gives Seattle the edge in overall safety. |
| Spokane | 73.7 | Spokane and Federal Way share similar regional risks, but our data gives Spokane the edge in overall safety. |
| Kennewick | 82.2 | Choosing between Federal Way and Kennewick? Federal Way presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Bremerton | 91.7 | Choosing between Federal Way and Bremerton? Federal Way presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Tacoma | 97.9 | Choosing between Federal Way and Tacoma? Federal Way presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Volcanos in Federal Way?
With a risk score of 100.0 for Volcano, Federal Way is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Volcano events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Federal Way safer than other cities in Washington?
It varies by hazard. While Federal Way has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.5), it is among the higher-risk areas in Washington. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Federal Way given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Federal Way is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Federal Way compare to other cities in Washington?
See the full Washington Disaster Rankings to see how Federal Way stacks up against other cities in the state.