Chatham County hazard data

Savannah, GA Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative hurricane risk for Chatham County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 0.391 per year for the area.

#1 of 13 covered Georgia cities for hurricane risk β†’FEMA relative score 99.5/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Savannah's hurricane risk is very high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Chatham County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 0.391 per year for hurricane. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is very high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

0.391 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
293,520
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
99.5/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Chatham County.

FEMA NRI profile

Hurricane

Very High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

99.5/100

FEMA annualized frequency
0.391 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$249M
Recorded events
59

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Chatham County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Hurricane risk in Savannah

For Savannah, FEMA rates hurricane risk for Chatham County as very high, with a relative score of 99.5/100. The next highest relative scores are lightning at 97.7/100 and wildfire at 95.8/100.

Using FEMA data for Chatham County, Savannah is #1 among 13 covered Georgia entries for hurricane risk. North Charleston is about 89 straight-line miles from the Savannah map point; its FEMA figures cover Charleston County.

What to check for hurricane

  • βœ“Check the wind zone, flood zone, and evacuation zone for the address.
  • βœ“Review roof connections, opening protection, drainage, and backup power.
  • βœ“Compare hurricane, wind, flood, and temporary-living coverage separately.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Savannah? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Savannah. All FEMA figures on this page cover Chatham County.

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City
Savannah, GA
FEMA data area
Chatham County
County FIPS
13051

Questions about disaster risk in Savannah

The FEMA figures cover Chatham County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much hurricane risk does Savannah, GA have?

FEMA rates relative hurricane risk for Chatham County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 0.391 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Savannah rank for hurricane risk in Georgia?

Among 13 Georgia cities covered by this directory, Savannah is #1 for relative hurricane risk based on FEMA's score for Chatham County. Homes within Savannah can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Savannah?

In FEMA's data for Chatham County, the highest relative ratings are Hurricane (Very High), Lightning (Relatively High), and Wildfire (Relatively Moderate). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Savannah or Chatham County?

The hazard numbers cover Chatham County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Savannah safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Chatham County an overall relative risk rating of relatively high. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Savannah do first for hurricane preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceHurricane ratingRelative score
North Charleston, SC89 miVery High99.6
Charleston, SC89 miVery High99.6
Mount Pleasant, SC98 miVery High99.6

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for hurricane or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System

Water

Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System

Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.

View product
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container

Water

Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container

Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.

View product
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Power

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.

View product

Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.