Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region Disaster Risk
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 9 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
Southeastern Connecticut moderately above average
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores 88.64 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category and just slightly above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This profile reflects balanced exposure across coastal and inland hazards.
Mid-range risk among Connecticut regions
Southeastern Connecticut ranks fifth among Connecticut's eight planning regions, sitting comfortably in the middle of the state's risk distribution. Its 88.64 score reflects a mixed coastal-suburban geography with moderate multi-hazard exposure.
Similar risk to other coastal peers
Southeastern Connecticut's 88.64 score closely mirrors Greater Bridgeport (91.76) and Lower Connecticut River Valley (83.84), reflecting shared coastal characteristics. The region ranks lower than Naugatuck Valley (93.19) but higher than inland planning regions.
Hurricanes and flooding top your hazard list
Hurricane risk (94.74) and flood risk (91.83) dominate the hazard landscape, reflecting the region's coastal position and exposure to Atlantic storm systems. Earthquake risk (80.95) and tornado risk (53.09) add secondary but measurable threats.
Coastal flood insurance is essential coverage
Flood insurance must be a priority for Southeastern Connecticut residents, particularly those in coastal areas or flood-prone zones—your 91.83 flood risk score makes this non-negotiable. Verify your homeowners policy covers hurricane-force winds, and consider additional liability protection given your region's significant coastal exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region at the 89th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (81th percentile), tornado (53th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 95th percentile nationally makes Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. The county's secondary flood risk at the 92th percentile nationally means Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region faces compounding hazards — inland flooding often follows landfalling hurricanes even well away from the coast. Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region's risk score is broadly comparable to the Connecticut county average, with a 1.0-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Southeastern Connecticut 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT?
What types of natural hazards affect Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region?
How does Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region risk compare to the Connecticut average?
Is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region higher risk than average?
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.