Natural Disaster Risk in Dalzell

Natural Hazard Profile: Dalzell, Illinois

Dalzell, in Bureau County, is a small community of about 727 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers, and in particular a severe thunderstorm and tornado season each spring. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Dalzell residents and property owners must navigate.

Dalzell's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant drought exposure, where below-average precipitation over extended periods strains water resources and drives secondary hazards like wildfire and crop failure. Secondary hazards include tornado and hail.

Within Illinois, Dalzell's risk is, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Bureau County identifies drought as the foremost hazard, followed by tornado and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Dalzell residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for drought 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.