Douglas County hazard data

Lawrence, KS Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative strong wind risk for Douglas County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 7.580 per year for the area.

#3 of 6 covered Kansas cities for strong wind risk β†’FEMA relative score 95.7/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Lawrence's strong wind risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Douglas County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 7.580 per year for strong wind. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

7.580 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
118,666
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
95.7/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Douglas County.

FEMA NRI profile

Strong Wind

Relatively High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

95.7/100

FEMA annualized frequency
7.580 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$3M
Recorded events
258

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Douglas County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Strong wind risk in Lawrence

For Lawrence, FEMA rates strong wind risk for Douglas County as relatively high, with a relative score of 95.7/100. The next highest relative scores are hail at 94.2/100 and tornado at 94.1/100.

Using FEMA data for Douglas County, Lawrence is #3 among 6 covered Kansas entries for strong wind risk. Topeka is about 24 straight-line miles from the Lawrence map point; its FEMA figures cover Shawnee County.

What to check for strong wind

  • βœ“Check roof edges and connections, the garage door, and large nearby trees.
  • βœ“Secure loose outdoor structures and identify a windowless interior room.
  • βœ“Review the wind deductible and roof settlement terms in the policy.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Lawrence? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Lawrence. All FEMA figures on this page cover Douglas County.

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City
Lawrence, KS
FEMA data area
Douglas County
County FIPS
20045

Questions about disaster risk in Lawrence

The FEMA figures cover Douglas County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much strong wind risk does Lawrence, KS have?

FEMA rates relative strong wind risk for Douglas County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 7.580 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Lawrence rank for strong wind risk in Kansas?

Among 6 Kansas cities covered by this directory, Lawrence is #3 for relative strong wind risk based on FEMA's score for Douglas County. Homes within Lawrence can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Lawrence?

In FEMA's data for Douglas County, the highest relative ratings are Strong Wind (Relatively High), Hail (Relatively Moderate), and Tornado (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Lawrence or Douglas County?

The hazard numbers cover Douglas County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Lawrence safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Douglas County an overall relative risk rating of relatively low. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Lawrence do first for strong wind preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceStrong Wind ratingRelative score
Topeka, KS24 miRelatively Moderate82.3
Olathe, KS24 miVery High98.8
Kansas City, KS30 miRelatively High94.9
Overland Park, KS31 miVery High98.8
Kansas City, MO40 miRelatively High97.8

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for strong wind or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

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Anker PowerCore 10K

Power

Anker PowerCore 10K

Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

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ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Pets

ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Comprehensive kit for pets. Includes muzzle, thermometer, and bandages.

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Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.