Seattle Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 3,555,253 and a calculated risk score of 99.5, Seattle faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Seattle, WA. Seattle is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that volcanoes rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Seattle sits at a Risk Score of 99.511. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Volcano and Earthquake.
Top Hazards for The Seattle Area
As part of the wider Washington region, the threat of volcanoes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 100.0. Unlike weather events, a volcano offers no warning, demanding 24/7 readiness.
Environmental studies focusing on Washington highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from earthquake events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 99.8 score. Emergency kits must include shoes and gloves to navigate debris after an event.
As part of the wider Washington region, the threat of landslides should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 97.0. Unlike weather events, a landslide offers no warning, demanding 24/7 readiness.
Monitor Active Threats
Seattle has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Seattle? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Seattle
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Seattle. 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 Seattle
Water
COOZMENT 3.2 Gallon Container with Spigot
A solid middle-ground option with a built-in spigot. Good for camping or countertop use.
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 Volcano is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Spokane | 73.7 | Spokane and Seattle share similar regional risks, but our data gives Spokane the edge in overall safety. |
| Kennewick | 82.2 | Choosing between Seattle and Kennewick? Seattle presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Bremerton | 91.7 | Choosing between Seattle and Bremerton? Seattle presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Tacoma | 97.9 | Choosing between Seattle and Tacoma? Seattle presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Olympia | 94.1 | Olympia and Seattle share similar regional risks, but our data gives Olympia the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Volcanos in Seattle?
With a risk score of 100.0 for Volcano, Seattle is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Volcano events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Seattle safer than other cities in Washington?
It varies by hazard. While Seattle has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.5), it is among the higher-risk areas in Washington. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Seattle given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Seattle is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Seattle compare to other cities in Washington?
See the full Washington Disaster Rankings to see how Seattle stacks up against other cities in the state.