Natural Disaster Risk in Roslindale

Natural Hazard Profile: Roslindale, Massachusetts

Roslindale is a city of approximately 31,151 residents in Suffolk County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, with nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding 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 Roslindale.

FEMA rates Roslindale's composite natural disaster risk at 6.8 out of 10 — high risk. 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. Residents should also account for heat and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.

Roslindale's risk score, near the 6.5/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Suffolk County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, heat, and lightning. 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, Roslindale 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.