Tampa Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 2,906,035 and a calculated risk score of 99.3, Tampa faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Tampa, FL. Life in Tampa comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for lightning.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 99.339, Tampa requires specific preparation. The data highlights Lightning as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Tampa Area
Given the environmental patterns common in Florida, the potential for lightning in Tampa stands out as a primary factor. Additionally, this score of 99.9 reflects both the frequency and potential severity of events. During these events, checking on elderly neighbors is a critical community responsibility.
Looking at the long-term climate history of Florida, resilience against hurricanes is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 99.8, indicating a substantial threat level. Sandbagging locations and shelter routes should be identified before the season starts.
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Florida, tornadoes constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 99.7 is statistically significant. For new residents, understanding the severity of tornadoes in their specific zip code is vital.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Tampa? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Tampa
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Tampa. 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 Tampa
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Pets
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls
Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.
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 Tampa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Tampa the edge in overall safety. |
| Orlando | 97.8 | Choosing between Tampa and Orlando? Tampa presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Jacksonville | 96.7 | When compared to Jacksonville, Tampa is slightly higher risk. The difference of 2.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Cape Coral | 99.2 | Choosing between Tampa and Cape Coral? Tampa presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Palm Bay | 99.0 | Palm Bay and Tampa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Palm Bay the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Tampa?
With a risk score of 99.9 for Lightning, Tampa 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 Tampa safer than other cities in Florida?
It varies by hazard. While Tampa has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.3), it is among the higher-risk areas in Florida. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Tampa given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 99.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Tampa is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Tampa compare to other cities in Florida?
See the full Florida Disaster Rankings to see how Tampa stacks up against other cities in the state.