Natural Disaster Risk in Port Heiden
Alaska
Risk Summary for Port Heiden
Port Heiden scores 4.4/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Tsunami.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Port Heiden, Alaska
Port Heiden is a small unincorporated community in Lake and Peninsula County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state. The area experiences subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, with severe winter storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Port Heiden.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Port Heiden carries an overall risk score of 4.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and avalanche.
Port Heiden's risk score, near the 4.6/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Lake and Peninsula County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, volcano, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Port Heiden 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 tsunami is recommended.
What this means for Port Heiden: Tsunami preparedness
- If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move to high ground immediately — do not wait for an official warning.
- Learn your community evacuation routes and the location of designated assembly areas.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes tsunami flooding; flood coverage may be needed.
Local Factors for Port Heiden
These city-level factors differentiate Port Heiden from other communities in Lake and Peninsula County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
73
RuralGeographic Zone
Arctic / Subarctic
Permafrost & coastal erosion risk
Climate Band
Subarctic / Arctic
Latitude 56.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.2/10
Coordinates
56.9425° N, 158.6047° W
Lake and Peninsula County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Port Heiden
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Port Heiden
Other cities in Alaska
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.