Springfield Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 438,889 and a calculated risk score of 74.0, Springfield faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Springfield, MA. Life in Springfield comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for landslides.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Springfield sits at a Risk Score of 74.019. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Landslide and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The Springfield Area
Regional data for Massachusetts suggests that the area is historically prone to periods of landslide. Consequently, the data-driven score of 90.7 underscores the need for preparedness. Families should have a reunification plan for when an event occurs during work/school hours.
As population density grows in Massachusetts, future climate projections suggest an uptick in hurricane severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 89.6/100. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Across the diverse landscape of Massachusetts, earthquake preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 84.1 is derived from granular local inputs. A 'drop, cover, and hold on' drill should be practiced by every family member annually.
Monitor Active Threats
Springfield has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Springfield? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Springfield
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Springfield. 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 Springfield
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
The best insurance against Landslide is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | 87.9 | Choosing between Springfield and Boston? Springfield presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Worcester | 88.5 | Choosing between Springfield and Worcester? Springfield presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| New Bedford | 82.8 | When compared to New Bedford, Springfield is statistically safer. The difference of 8.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Cambridge | 93.8 | Choosing between Springfield and Cambridge? Springfield presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Lowell | 93.8 | Choosing between Springfield and Lowell? Springfield presents a lower overall risk profile. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Landslides in Springfield?
With a risk score of 90.7 for Landslide, Springfield is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Landslide events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Springfield safer than other cities in Massachusetts?
It varies by hazard. While Springfield has its own risk profile (Total Score: 74.0), it is generally comparable to the average in Massachusetts. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Springfield given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 89.6) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Springfield is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Springfield compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
See the full Massachusetts Disaster Rankings to see how Springfield stacks up against other cities in the state.