Natural Disaster Risk in Georgetown

Natural Hazard Profile: Georgetown, California

Georgetown, in El Dorado County, is a town of roughly 3,536 residents situated in the western mountain region near the Pacific Coast. Its Mediterranean climate brings dry summers and mild, wet winters with pronounced drought cycles, and in particular a critical fire season from late summer through fall. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Georgetown residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Georgetown carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high category. Wildfire is the primary natural hazard, driven by dry seasonal conditions, fire-prone vegetation, and the wind patterns that can spread flames rapidly across the landscape. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and landslide.

Within California, Georgetown's risk is, near the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of El Dorado County identifies wildfire as the foremost hazard, followed by avalanche and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Georgetown residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wildfire and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.