Natural Disaster Risk in Aleutians East County

Natural Hazard Profile: Aleutians East County, Alaska

Situated in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state, Aleutians East County in Alaska experiences a subarctic climate marked by subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers. Severe winter storms is a defining feature of the regional hazard profile that affects residents and property owners countywide.

FEMA rates Aleutians East County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.1 out of 10 — moderate risk. Volcanic activity is the foremost natural hazard, with the area situated near active volcanic systems capable of producing lava flows, ashfall, and pyroclastic hazards. Residents should also account for tsunami and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Aleutians East County's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 4.6/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by volcano and tsunami, as measured by FEMA across Aleutians East County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Aleutians East County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for volcano is recommended.