Provo Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 639,820 and a calculated risk score of 95.4, Provo faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Provo, UT. Calling Provo home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to wildfires.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Provo sits at a Risk Score of 95.353. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Wildfire and Heat Wave.
Wildfire risk in Provo, Utah
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding Provo create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
Provo Wildfire Evacuation Plan
- •Clear dry leaves and debris from gutters and roof
- •Have a 'Go Bag' packed and ready near the door
- •Sign up for local emergency alerts
Top Hazards for The Provo Area
Comparisons of local data to the rest of Utah reveal, Provo faces a critical challenge with wildfire events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 99.6, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Ember intrusion is a major threat; ensuring vents are screened is a critical home upgrade.
The geographical layout of Utah means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these heat wave scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 99.0. Staying off the roads during a severe heat wave event is the safest choice.
The geographical layout of Utah means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these earthquake scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 98.9. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
Monitor Active Threats
Provo has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Provo? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Provo
Read the Full Guide →Residents of Provo must prioritize defensible space and air quality. Fire moves fast, and smoke can be just as dangerous. Your preparation should focus on rapid evacuation and respiratory protection.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep gutters clean of dry leaves and debris.
- 2Have N95 masks in your kit for smoke protection.
- 3Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 4Pack a 'Go-Bag' with wool blankets and protective clothing.
- 5Know at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
Essential Gear for Provo
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 Wildfire is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 98.3 | When compared to Salt Lake City, Provo is statistically safer. The difference of 3.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Ogden | 91.2 | When compared to Ogden, Provo is slightly higher risk. The difference of 4.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| St. George | 94.0 | St. George and Provo share similar regional risks, but our data gives St. George the edge in overall safety. |
| West Valley City | 98.3 | West Valley City and Provo share similar regional risks, but our data gives Provo the edge in overall safety. |
| Logan | 81.2 | When compared to Logan, Provo is slightly higher risk. The difference of 14.2 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in Provo?
With a risk score of 99.6 for Wildfire, Provo is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Wildfire events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Provo safer than other cities in Utah?
It varies by hazard. While Provo has its own risk profile (Total Score: 95.4), it is among the higher-risk areas in Utah. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Provo given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 99.0) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Provo is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Provo compare to other cities in Utah?
See the full Utah Disaster Rankings to see how Provo stacks up against other cities in the state.