Natural Disaster Risk in Donaldson

Natural Hazard Profile: Donaldson, Indiana

Located in the Great Lakes region in Marshall County, Donaldson is a small unincorporated community. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Indiana — marked by cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Donaldson a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Donaldson's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.4/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Frequent lightning strikes from an active thunderstorm environment represent the top natural hazard risk, posing safety concerns and causing fire ignitions and power outages. Secondary hazards include cold wave and hail.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Donaldson's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by lightning and cold wave, as measured by FEMA across Marshall County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Donaldson 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 lightning is recommended.