Milwaukee Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 1,290,221 and a calculated risk score of 91.1, Milwaukee faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Milwaukee, WI. The community in Milwaukee is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of heat wave activity.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 91.077, Milwaukee requires specific preparation. The data highlights Heat Wave as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Milwaukee Area
Meteorological data for Wisconsin confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating heat waves. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 99.3. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Given the environmental patterns common in Wisconsin, the potential for tornadoes in Milwaukee stands out as a primary factor. Additionally, this score of 98.8 reflects both the frequency and potential severity of events. During these events, checking on elderly neighbors is a critical community responsibility.
When analyzing the risk profile of Wisconsin, Milwaukee's geography makes it particularly susceptible to river flooding risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 92.3. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Milwaukee? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Milwaukee
Read the Full Guide →Extreme heat is a silent killer in Milwaukee. It stresses the power grid and the human body. Your survival strategy should revolve around hydration, cooling, and backup power.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Know the location of your nearest cooling center.
- 2Have a backup power source for fans or medical devices.
- 3Cover windows with reflective material to keep heat out.
- 4Monitor local weather for 'Wet Bulb' temperature warnings.
- 5Store electrolyte powder in your kit, not just plain water.
Essential Gear for Milwaukee
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.
Do not wait for a Heat Wave warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Madison | 86.9 | Choosing between Milwaukee and Madison? Milwaukee presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Appleton | 57.6 | Appleton and Milwaukee share similar regional risks, but our data gives Appleton the edge in overall safety. |
| Green Bay | 68.6 | When compared to Green Bay, Milwaukee is slightly higher risk. The difference of 22.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Racine | 65.0 | When compared to Racine, Milwaukee is slightly higher risk. The difference of 26.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Kenosha | 68.8 | Choosing between Milwaukee and Kenosha? Milwaukee presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Milwaukee?
With a risk score of 99.3 for Heat Wave, Milwaukee is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Heat Wave events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Milwaukee safer than other cities in Wisconsin?
It varies by hazard. While Milwaukee has its own risk profile (Total Score: 91.1), it is among the higher-risk areas in Wisconsin. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Milwaukee given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 98.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Milwaukee is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Milwaukee compare to other cities in Wisconsin?
See the full Wisconsin Disaster Rankings to see how Milwaukee stacks up against other cities in the state.