Vernon Parish Disaster Risk
Vernon Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
69th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Vernon Parish, Louisiana
Vernon Parish carries moderate national risk
Vernon's composite risk score of 68.89 places it in the relatively low risk category, positioning it close to the national average despite Louisiana's elevated statewide risk profile. The parish faces balanced exposure across multiple hazard types rather than concentration in a single threat.
Mid-range risk within Louisiana
Vernon Parish ranks near the state median among Louisiana's 64 parishes with a composite score of 68.89, sitting above the state average of 62.37. The parish avoids the extreme vulnerability of coastal parishes but exceeds the protection of inland western parishes.
Higher tornado risk than adjacent parishes
Vernon's tornado risk score of 85.97 significantly exceeds those of nearby Rapides and Sabine parishes, making severe thunderstorms a particular concern. However, its hurricane risk of 87.03 remains lower than coastal neighbors, reflecting its inland position.
Tornadoes and wildfires lead threats
Vernon faces elevated tornado risk (85.97) and wildfire risk (79.80), making spring and summer severe weather periods critical for preparedness. Flooding risk of 66.57 also warrants attention, particularly during heavy precipitation events.
Prepare for multiple threat types
With elevated tornado and wildfire risks, Vernon residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes wind coverage and review property defensibility around structures. Consider a safe room or storm shelter for tornado season, and maintain defensible space around your home during wildfire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Vernon Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Vernon Parish
Risk Verdict
Vernon Parish ranks at the 69th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Vernon Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (80th percentile), flood (67th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Vernon Parish ranks at the 87th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Tornado at the 86th percentile nationally is Vernon Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For extended post-storm outages common in Vernon Parish's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Louisiana counties, Vernon Parish runs 6.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Vernon Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Vernon Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect Vernon Parish?
How does Vernon Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is Vernon Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Vernon Parish 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.