Orlando Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 1,913,597 and a calculated risk score of 97.8, Orlando faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Orlando, FL. Life in Orlando comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for lightning.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Orlando sits at a Risk Score of 97.834. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Lightning and Wildfire.
Top Hazards for The Orlando Area
Historically, the climate of Florida dictates that historical precedents show that lightning are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 99.7. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
Historically, the climate of Florida dictates that historical precedents show that wildfires are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 99.5. Creating defensible space around the home is the single most effective mitigation step.
When analyzing the risk profile of Florida, Orlando's geography makes it particularly susceptible to tornado risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.3. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
Monitor Active Threats
Orlando has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Orlando? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Orlando
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Orlando. 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 Orlando
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.
The best insurance against Lightning is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 99.7 | When compared to Miami, Orlando is statistically safer. The difference of 1.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Tampa | 99.3 | When compared to Tampa, Orlando is statistically safer. The difference of 1.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Jacksonville | 96.7 | Choosing between Orlando and Jacksonville? Orlando presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Cape Coral | 99.2 | Cape Coral and Orlando share similar regional risks, but our data gives Orlando the edge in overall safety. |
| Palm Bay | 99.0 | When compared to Palm Bay, Orlando is statistically safer. The difference of 1.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Orlando?
With a risk score of 99.7 for Lightning, Orlando is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Orlando safer than other cities in Florida?
It varies by hazard. While Orlando has its own risk profile (Total Score: 97.8), it is among the higher-risk areas in Florida. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Orlando given the risk of Wildfire?
Every city has risks. The threat of Wildfire (Score: 99.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Orlando is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Orlando compare to other cities in Florida?
See the full Florida Disaster Rankings to see how Orlando stacks up against other cities in the state.