Natural Disaster Risk in Elim

Natural Hazard Profile: Elim, Alaska

Located in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state in Nome County, Elim is a small unincorporated community. The subarctic climate that characterizes this part of Alaska — marked by subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Elim a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Elim's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Volcanic hazard exposure defines the local risk environment, driven by proximity to one of the most active volcanic systems in the United States. Secondary hazards include cold wave and avalanche.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Elim 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.