Natural Disaster Risk in Rawlings

Natural Hazard Profile: Rawlings, Maryland

Rawlings is a small community of about 1,481 in Allegany County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure, with tropical storm and nor'easter impacts 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 Rawlings.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Rawlings carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and hurricane.

Rawlings's risk score, slightly below the 6.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Allegany County, the highest-scoring are landslide, avalanche, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

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