Reno Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 454,814 and a calculated risk score of 97.9, Reno faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Reno, NV. Settling down in Reno connects you to a vibrant community. However, it also comes with specific climate realities. Specifically, the area has a heightened risk of river flooding.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Reno sits at a Risk Score of 97.924. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably River Flooding and Earthquake.
Top Hazards for The Reno Area
As population density grows in Nevada, future climate projections suggest an uptick in river flooding severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 99.7/100. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Historically, the climate of Nevada dictates that historical precedents show that earthquakes are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 99.4. Securing heavy furniture and knowing how to shut off gas lines are top priorities here.
Across the diverse landscape of Nevada, wildfire preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 97.6 is derived from granular local inputs. Evacuation orders for wildfires are immediate; residents often have minutes, not hours, to leave.
Monitor Active Threats
Reno has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Reno? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Reno
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Reno. 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 Reno
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
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.
The best insurance against River Flooding is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | 99.0 | Choosing between Reno and Las Vegas? Reno presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Henderson | 99.0 | Choosing between Reno and Henderson? Reno presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| North Las Vegas | 99.0 | Choosing between Reno and North Las Vegas? Reno presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Enterprise | 99.0 | Enterprise and Reno share similar regional risks, but our data gives Reno the edge in overall safety. |
| Spring Valley | 99.0 | Spring Valley and Reno share similar regional risks, but our data gives Reno the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Reno?
With a risk score of 99.7 for River Flooding, Reno 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 Reno safer than other cities in Nevada?
It varies by hazard. While Reno has its own risk profile (Total Score: 97.9), it is among the higher-risk areas in Nevada. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Reno given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.4) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Reno is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Reno compare to other cities in Nevada?
See the full Nevada Disaster Rankings to see how Reno stacks up against other cities in the state.