Westminster Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 115,546 and a calculated risk score of 90.1, Westminster faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Westminster, CO. Life in Westminster 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 90.136, Westminster requires specific preparation. The data highlights Lightning as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Westminster Area
Within the specific ecosystem of Colorado, lightning frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 96.7/100. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
For residents of Colorado, it is well known that local patterns show a recurring trend of tornado activity. Moreover statistical analysis places this risk level at 95.7/100, requiring attention. For new residents, understanding the severity of tornadoes in their specific zip code is vital.
Environmental studies focusing on Colorado highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from landslide events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 88.6 score. Emergency kits must include shoes and gloves to navigate debris after an event.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Westminster? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Westminster
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Westminster. 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 Westminster
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 90.3 | When compared to Denver, Westminster is statistically safer. The difference of 0.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Colorado Springs | 91.0 | Choosing between Westminster and Colorado Springs? Westminster presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Aurora | 91.8 | When compared to Aurora, Westminster is statistically safer. The difference of 1.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Fort Collins | 90.9 | When compared to Fort Collins, Westminster is statistically safer. The difference of 0.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Lakewood | 92.5 | Lakewood and Westminster share similar regional risks, but our data gives Westminster the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Westminster?
With a risk score of 96.7 for Lightning, Westminster 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 Westminster safer than other cities in Colorado?
It varies by hazard. While Westminster has its own risk profile (Total Score: 90.1), it is among the higher-risk areas in Colorado. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Westminster given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 95.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Westminster is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Westminster compare to other cities in Colorado?
See the full Colorado Disaster Rankings to see how Westminster stacks up against other cities in the state.