North Charleston Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 117,460 and a calculated risk score of 99.0, North Charleston faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for North Charleston, SC. Calling North Charleston home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to hurricanes.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns North Charleston a Risk Score of 99.030 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Hurricane and Earthquake.
Hurricane risk in North Charleston, South Carolina
Being situated in a region vulnerable to tropical cyclones, North Charleston faces threats from high winds and storm surge. Historical data shows significant impacts from major storms, requiring robust flood insurance and evacuation planning.
North Charleston Hurricane Prep Checklist
- •Know your specific evacuation zone and local routes
- •Install storm shutters or measure/cut plywood in advance
- •Stock at least 7 days of water and non-perishable food
Top Hazards for The North Charleston Area
When analyzing the risk profile of South Carolina, North Charleston's geography makes it particularly susceptible to hurricane risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.6. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
Across the diverse landscape of South Carolina, earthquake preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 98.9 is derived from granular local inputs. A 'drop, cover, and hold on' drill should be practiced by every family member annually.
Meteorological data for South Carolina confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating lightning. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.2. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Monitor Active Threats
North Charleston has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in North Charleston? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in North Charleston
Read the Full Guide →For North Charleston, water protection is key. The combination of high winds and potential storm surge requires a multi-layered approach. You need to be ready to shelter in place for 72 hours or evacuate at a moment's notice.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Elevate critical documents and electronics off the floor.
- 2Have a 'Go-Bag' ready in case evacuation orders are issued.
- 3Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days.
- 4Identify your evacuation zone and map out two different routes.
- 5Install storm shutters or have pre-cut plywood ready for windows.
Essential Gear for North Charleston
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Hurricane now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 99.0 | When compared to Charleston, North Charleston is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Columbia | 90.8 | Choosing between North Charleston and Columbia? North Charleston presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Greenville | 83.8 | When compared to Greenville, North Charleston is slightly higher risk. The difference of 15.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Myrtle Beach | 98.3 | Myrtle Beach and North Charleston share similar regional risks, but our data gives Myrtle Beach the edge in overall safety. |
| Rock Hill | 83.6 | Rock Hill and North Charleston share similar regional risks, but our data gives Rock Hill the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Hurricanes in North Charleston?
With a risk score of 99.6 for Hurricane, North Charleston is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Hurricane events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is North Charleston safer than other cities in South Carolina?
It varies by hazard. While North Charleston has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.0), it is among the higher-risk areas in South Carolina. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to North Charleston given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 98.9) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in North Charleston is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does North Charleston compare to other cities in South Carolina?
See the full South Carolina Disaster Rankings to see how North Charleston stacks up against other cities in the state.