Lakewood Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 156,309 and a calculated risk score of 92.5, Lakewood faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Lakewood, CO. Settling down in Lakewood means embracing the local culture. However, it also comes with specific climate realities. Specifically, the area has a heightened risk of wildfires.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Lakewood a Risk Score of 92.479 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Wildfire and Lightning.
Wildfire risk in Lakewood, Colorado
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding Lakewood create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
Lakewood 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 Lakewood Area
Across the diverse landscape of Colorado, wildfire preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 99.4 is derived from granular local inputs. Evacuation orders for wildfires are immediate; residents often have minutes, not hours, to leave.
Looking at the long-term climate history of Colorado, resilience against lightning is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 97.5, indicating a substantial threat level. Staying off the roads during a severe lightning event is the safest choice.
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Colorado, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the tornado risk. It is important to note that this value of 96.9 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
Monitor Active Threats
Lakewood has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Lakewood? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Lakewood
Read the Full Guide →Residents of Lakewood 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 Lakewood
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 Wildfire now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 90.3 | Denver and Lakewood share similar regional risks, but our data gives Denver the edge in overall safety. |
| Colorado Springs | 91.0 | When compared to Colorado Springs, Lakewood is slightly higher risk. The difference of 1.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Aurora | 91.8 | Aurora and Lakewood share similar regional risks, but our data gives Aurora the edge in overall safety. |
| Fort Collins | 90.9 | Fort Collins and Lakewood share similar regional risks, but our data gives Fort Collins the edge in overall safety. |
| Greeley | 84.3 | When compared to Greeley, Lakewood is slightly higher risk. The difference of 8.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in Lakewood?
With a risk score of 99.4 for Wildfire, Lakewood 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 Lakewood safer than other cities in Colorado?
It varies by hazard. While Lakewood has its own risk profile (Total Score: 92.5), it is among the higher-risk areas in Colorado. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Lakewood given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 97.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Lakewood is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Lakewood compare to other cities in Colorado?
See the full Colorado Disaster Rankings to see how Lakewood stacks up against other cities in the state.