Houma Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 147,841 and a calculated risk score of 93.8, Houma faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Houma, LA. From its neighborhoods to its downtown, Houma is unique. But ignoring the local climate risks is not an option. Our data indicates a specific vulnerability to hurricanes.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Houma a Risk Score of 93.757 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Hurricane and Lightning.
Hurricane risk in Houma, Louisiana
Being situated in a region vulnerable to tropical cyclones, Houma faces threats from high winds and storm surge. Historical data shows significant impacts from major storms, requiring robust flood insurance and evacuation planning.
Houma Hurricane Prep Checklist
- •Know your specific evacuation zone and local routes
- •Install storm shutters or measure/cut plywood in advance
- •Stock at least 7 days of water and non-perishable food
Top Hazards for The Houma Area
As part of the wider Louisiana region, the threat of hurricanes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 97.9. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Within the specific ecosystem of Louisiana, lightning frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 95.6/100. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
Considering the historical weather trends in Louisiana, data indicates that Houma has a higher-than-average exposure to river flooding. It is important to note that this metric (score: 94.1) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Houma? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Houma
Read the Full Guide →For Houma, water protection is key. The combination of high winds and potential storm surge requires a multi-layered approach. You need to be ready to shelter in place for 72 hours or evacuate at a moment's notice.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Elevate critical documents and electronics off the floor.
- 2Have a 'Go-Bag' ready in case evacuation orders are issued.
- 3Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days.
- 4Identify your evacuation zone and map out two different routes.
- 5Install storm shutters or have pre-cut plywood ready for windows.
Essential Gear for Houma
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Hurricane now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 94.9 | Choosing between Houma and New Orleans? Houma presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Baton Rouge | 98.4 | Choosing between Houma and Baton Rouge? Houma presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Shreveport | 85.6 | When compared to Shreveport, Houma is slightly higher risk. The difference of 8.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Lafayette | 97.1 | Lafayette and Houma share similar regional risks, but our data gives Houma the edge in overall safety. |
| Lake Charles | 95.4 | Lake Charles and Houma share similar regional risks, but our data gives Houma the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Hurricanes in Houma?
With a risk score of 97.9 for Hurricane, Houma is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Hurricane events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Houma safer than other cities in Louisiana?
It varies by hazard. While Houma has its own risk profile (Total Score: 93.8), it is among the higher-risk areas in Louisiana. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Houma given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 95.6) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Houma is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Houma compare to other cities in Louisiana?
See the full Louisiana Disaster Rankings to see how Houma stacks up against other cities in the state.