Memphis Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 1,033,394 and a calculated risk score of 98.9, Memphis faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Memphis, TN. Life in Memphis 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 98.858, Memphis requires specific preparation. The data highlights River Flooding as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Memphis Area
Meteorological data for Tennessee confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating river flooding. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 99.9. Understanding the difference between a river flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
Across the diverse landscape of Tennessee, tornado preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 99.6 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
As population density grows in Tennessee, future climate projections suggest an uptick in heat wave severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 99.6/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Memphis? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Memphis
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Memphis. 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 Memphis
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 River Flooding warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 95.0 | When compared to Nashville, Memphis is slightly higher risk. The difference of 3.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Knoxville | 85.2 | When compared to Knoxville, Memphis is slightly higher risk. The difference of 13.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Chattanooga | 88.9 | Chattanooga and Memphis share similar regional risks, but our data gives Chattanooga the edge in overall safety. |
| Clarksville | 79.0 | Clarksville and Memphis share similar regional risks, but our data gives Clarksville the edge in overall safety. |
| Murfreesboro | 81.9 | When compared to Murfreesboro, Memphis is slightly higher risk. The difference of 17.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Memphis?
With a risk score of 99.9 for River Flooding, Memphis 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 Memphis safer than other cities in Tennessee?
It varies by hazard. While Memphis has its own risk profile (Total Score: 98.9), it is among the higher-risk areas in Tennessee. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Memphis given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 99.6) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Memphis is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Memphis compare to other cities in Tennessee?
See the full Tennessee Disaster Rankings to see how Memphis stacks up against other cities in the state.