St. Augustine Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 99,936 and a calculated risk score of 90.2, St. Augustine faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for St. Augustine, FL. For residents of St. Augustine, life moves at its own pace. Unfortunately, nature can be unpredictable in this region. You should be particularly prepared for lightning events.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 90.203, St. Augustine requires specific preparation. The data highlights Lightning as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The St. Augustine Area
Considering the historical weather trends in Florida, data indicates that St. Augustine has a higher-than-average exposure to lightning. It is important to note that this metric (score: 96.9) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
As part of the wider Florida region, the threat of hurricanes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 96.0. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Within the specific ecosystem of Florida, wildfire frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 95.4/100. Creating defensible space around the home is the single most effective mitigation step.
Monitor Active Threats
St. Augustine has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in St. Augustine? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in St. Augustine
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for St. Augustine. 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 St. Augustine
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a Lightning warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 99.7 | Miami and St. Augustine share similar regional risks, but our data gives St. Augustine the edge in overall safety. |
| Tampa | 99.3 | Tampa and St. Augustine share similar regional risks, but our data gives St. Augustine the edge in overall safety. |
| Orlando | 97.8 | Choosing between St. Augustine and Orlando? St. Augustine presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Jacksonville | 96.7 | When compared to Jacksonville, St. Augustine is statistically safer. The difference of 6.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Cape Coral | 99.2 | Choosing between St. Augustine and Cape Coral? St. Augustine presents a lower overall risk profile. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in St. Augustine?
With a risk score of 96.9 for Lightning, St. Augustine is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is St. Augustine safer than other cities in Florida?
It varies by hazard. While St. Augustine has its own risk profile (Total Score: 90.2), it is among the higher-risk areas in Florida. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to St. Augustine given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 96.0) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in St. Augustine is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does St. Augustine compare to other cities in Florida?
See the full Florida Disaster Rankings to see how St. Augustine stacks up against other cities in the state.