Natural Disaster Risk in Harrison

Natural Hazard Profile: Harrison, New Jersey

Harrison is a city of approximately 22,866 residents in Hudson County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences warm summers, cold winters, and significant coastal storm exposure, with nor'easters, coastal flooding, and tropical storm threats 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 Harrison.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Harrison carries an overall risk score of 7.3/10, placing it in the high category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to heat and wind.

Harrison's risk score, near the 7.4/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Hudson County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, heat, and wind. 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, Harrison 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.