Fort Lauderdale Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 183,032 and a calculated risk score of 99.6, Fort Lauderdale faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Fort Lauderdale, FL. Life in Fort Lauderdale comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for lightning.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Fort Lauderdale sits at a Risk Score of 99.644. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Lightning and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The Fort Lauderdale Area
Given the environmental patterns common in Florida, the potential for lightning in Fort Lauderdale stands out as a primary factor. Additionally, this score of 100.0 reflects both the frequency and potential severity of events. During these events, checking on elderly neighbors is a critical community responsibility.
When analyzing the risk profile of Florida, Fort Lauderdale's geography makes it particularly susceptible to hurricane risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.9. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
Meteorological data for Florida confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating wildfires. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.9. Ember intrusion is a major threat; ensuring vents are screened is a critical home upgrade.
Monitor Active Threats
Fort Lauderdale has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Fort Lauderdale? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Fort Lauderdale
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale
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.
Pets
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls
Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.
The best insurance against Lightning is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 99.7 | When compared to Miami, Fort Lauderdale is statistically safer. The difference of 0.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Tampa | 99.3 | When compared to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Orlando | 97.8 | Orlando and Fort Lauderdale share similar regional risks, but our data gives Orlando the edge in overall safety. |
| Jacksonville | 96.7 | Choosing between Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville? Fort Lauderdale presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Cape Coral | 99.2 | Cape Coral and Fort Lauderdale share similar regional risks, but our data gives Cape Coral the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Fort Lauderdale?
With a risk score of 100.0 for Lightning, Fort Lauderdale is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Fort Lauderdale safer than other cities in Florida?
It varies by hazard. While Fort Lauderdale has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.6), it is among the higher-risk areas in Florida. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 99.9) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Fort Lauderdale is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare to other cities in Florida?
See the full Florida Disaster Rankings to see how Fort Lauderdale stacks up against other cities in the state.