Lake Charles Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 145,110 and a calculated risk score of 95.4, Lake Charles faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Lake Charles, LA. Life in Lake Charles comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for river flooding.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 95.371, Lake Charles requires specific preparation. The data highlights River Flooding as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Lake Charles Area
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Louisiana, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the river flooding risk. It is important to note that this value of 99.4 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
Historically, the climate of Louisiana dictates that historical precedents show that lightning are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 97.8. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
Looking at the long-term climate history of Louisiana, resilience against hurricanes is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 97.4, indicating a substantial threat level. Sandbagging locations and shelter routes should be identified before the season starts.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Lake Charles? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Lake Charles
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Lake Charles. 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 Lake Charles
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Do not wait for a River Flooding warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 94.9 | New Orleans and Lake Charles share similar regional risks, but our data gives New Orleans the edge in overall safety. |
| Baton Rouge | 98.4 | Baton Rouge and Lake Charles share similar regional risks, but our data gives Lake Charles the edge in overall safety. |
| Shreveport | 85.6 | Choosing between Lake Charles and Shreveport? Lake Charles presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Lafayette | 97.1 | When compared to Lafayette, Lake Charles is statistically safer. The difference of 1.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Houma | 93.8 | Houma and Lake Charles share similar regional risks, but our data gives Houma the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Lake Charles?
With a risk score of 99.4 for River Flooding, Lake Charles is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Lake Charles safer than other cities in Louisiana?
It varies by hazard. While Lake Charles has its own risk profile (Total Score: 95.4), it is among the higher-risk areas in Louisiana. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Lake Charles given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 97.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Lake Charles is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Lake Charles compare to other cities in Louisiana?
See the full Louisiana Disaster Rankings to see how Lake Charles stacks up against other cities in the state.