Natural Disaster Risk in Raleigh

Natural Hazard Profile: Raleigh, Illinois

Raleigh, in Saline County, is a small community of about 599 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 Raleigh residents and property owners must navigate.

Raleigh's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.5/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area's position within a seismically active region makes earthquake preparedness a top priority for residents and property owners alike. Secondary hazards include wind and heat.

Within Illinois, Raleigh'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 Saline County identifies earthquake as the foremost hazard, followed by wind and heat. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

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