Northwest Hills Planning Region Disaster Risk
Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 9 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut
Northwest Hills below state average risk
Northwest Hills Planning Region scores 79.61 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category and well below Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This favorable profile reflects limited coastal exposure and lower urban density compared to other planning regions.
Second-safest planning region in state
Northwest Hills ranks second-lowest (most favorable) among Connecticut's eight planning regions, surpassed in safety only by Northeastern Connecticut's 62.75 score. Its 79.61 score represents a notably safer profile than the state average.
Safest inland region in Connecticut
Northwest Hills' 79.61 score exceeds only Northeastern Connecticut (62.75) among all regions and significantly outperforms nearby Lower Connecticut River Valley (83.84). As an inland, rural region, it offers one of the state's most favorable risk profiles.
Flooding remains your primary hazard
Flood risk (88.01) is the primary concern for Northwest Hills, reflecting seasonal precipitation and stream flooding in this terrain. Hurricane (86.78) and tornado (42.88) risks are secondary, while wildfire (39.95) and earthquake (66.32) threats are comparatively minimal.
Flood insurance recommended for vulnerable properties
Properties in flood-prone areas or near streams should secure separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude this hazard—particularly important given your 88.01 flood risk score. For most inland properties on higher ground, standard coverage is typically sufficient to protect against the region's moderate overall hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Northwest Hills Planning Region
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Northwest Hills Planning Region
Risk Verdict
Northwest Hills Planning Region's FEMA risk score places it at the 80th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Northwest Hills Planning Region residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Northwest Hills Planning Region's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (66th percentile), tornado (43th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 88th percentile nationally for flood risk, Northwest Hills Planning Region residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Northwest Hills Planning Region's secondary hazard, hurricane at the 87th percentile nationally, indicates that compounding hazard types require layered preparation strategies, not single-peril planning. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Northwest Hills Planning Region's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
At 8.0 points below the Connecticut state average, Northwest Hills Planning Region is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Northwest Hills Planning Region's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Northwest Hills Planning Region, CT?
What types of natural hazards affect Northwest Hills Planning Region?
How does Northwest Hills Planning Region risk compare to the Connecticut average?
Is Northwest Hills Planning Region at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Northwest Hills Planning Region a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.