Natural Disaster Risk in Kusilvak County

Natural Hazard Profile: Kusilvak County, Alaska

Situated in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state, Kusilvak 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 Kusilvak County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. Residents should also account for volcano and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Kusilvak County'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 cold wave and volcano, as measured by FEMA across Kusilvak County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Kusilvak 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 cold wave is recommended.