Highlands Ranch Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 101,437 and a calculated risk score of 74.2, Highlands Ranch faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Highlands Ranch, CO. Living in Highlands Ranch offers a unique lifestyle. But like any location, it has unique set of risks. The most significant threat to be aware of is wildfires.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 74.240, Highlands Ranch requires specific preparation. The data highlights Wildfire as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Wildfire risk in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding Highlands Ranch create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
Highlands Ranch Wildfire Evacuation Plan
- •Clear dry leaves and debris from gutters and roof
- •Have a 'Go Bag' packed and ready near the door
- •Sign up for local emergency alerts
Top Hazards for The Highlands Ranch Area
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Colorado, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the wildfire risk. It is important to note that this value of 96.1 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Having a pre-packed vehicle during fire season is a standard precaution in this area.
Across the diverse landscape of Colorado, tornado preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 93.5 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
Regional data for Colorado suggests that the area is historically prone to periods of lightning. Consequently, the data-driven score of 92.5 underscores the need for preparedness. Local schools and businesses typically have robust protocols for these weather events.
Monitor Active Threats
Highlands Ranch has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Highlands Ranch? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Highlands Ranch
Read the Full Guide →Residents of Highlands Ranch must prioritize defensible space and air quality. Fire moves fast, and smoke can be just as dangerous. Your preparation should focus on rapid evacuation and respiratory protection.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep gutters clean of dry leaves and debris.
- 2Have N95 masks in your kit for smoke protection.
- 3Pack a 'Go-Bag' with wool blankets and protective clothing.
- 4Know at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
- 5Create defensible space by clearing dry vegetation 30ft from your home.
Essential Gear for Highlands Ranch
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a Wildfire warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 90.3 | When compared to Denver, Highlands Ranch is statistically safer. The difference of 16.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Colorado Springs | 91.0 | Choosing between Highlands Ranch and Colorado Springs? Highlands Ranch presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Aurora | 91.8 | When compared to Aurora, Highlands Ranch is statistically safer. The difference of 17.6 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Fort Collins | 90.9 | When compared to Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch is statistically safer. The difference of 16.6 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Lakewood | 92.5 | Lakewood and Highlands Ranch share similar regional risks, but our data gives Highlands Ranch the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in Highlands Ranch?
With a risk score of 96.1 for Wildfire, Highlands Ranch is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Wildfire events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Highlands Ranch safer than other cities in Colorado?
It varies by hazard. While Highlands Ranch has its own risk profile (Total Score: 74.2), it is generally comparable to the average in Colorado. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Highlands Ranch given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 93.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Highlands Ranch is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Highlands Ranch compare to other cities in Colorado?
See the full Colorado Disaster Rankings to see how Highlands Ranch stacks up against other cities in the state.