Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin

Natural Hazard Profile: Franklin, Maine

Franklin, in Hancock County, is a small community of about 2,374 situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings long, harsh winters and brief summers with heavy snowfall, and in particular powerful nor'easter blizzards. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Franklin residents and property owners must navigate.

Franklin's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Secondary hazards include winter and ice storm.

Within Maine, Franklin's risk is, near the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Hancock County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Franklin residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for coastal flood 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.