Natural Disaster Risk in Russell

Natural Hazard Profile: Russell, Kentucky

Russell is a town of roughly 5,560 residents in Greenup County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storm risk, with recurring winter ice storm events 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 Russell.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Russell carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and avalanche.

Russell's risk score, near the 5.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Greenup County, the highest-scoring are heat, landslide, 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, Russell 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 heat is recommended.