Natural Disaster Risk in Fort Sumner
New Mexico
Risk Summary for Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner scores 3.7/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Volcanic Activity.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Fort Sumner, New Mexico
Fort Sumner, in De Baca County, is a small community of about 1,444 situated in the arid interior West. Its semi-arid climate brings hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation, and in particular a late-summer monsoon season with flash flood risk. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Fort Sumner residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Fort Sumner carries an overall risk score of 3.7/10, placing it in the low category. Volcanic activity is the foremost natural hazard, with the area situated near active volcanic systems capable of producing lava flows, ashfall, and pyroclastic hazards. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and wildfire.
Within New Mexico, Fort Sumner's risk is, considerably below the 5.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of De Baca County identifies volcano as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Fort Sumner is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers volcano — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Fort Sumner: Volcanic Activity preparedness
- Protect electronics and HVAC systems from fine volcanic ash during eruptions.
- Keep dust masks and eye protection on hand for ashfall events, which can affect breathing and visibility.
- Monitor official volcano alert levels and have an evacuation plan for lava or lahar zones.
Local Factors for Fort Sumner
These city-level factors differentiate Fort Sumner from other communities in De Baca County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,444
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 34.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 8.0/10
Coordinates
34.3478° N, 104.4004° W
De Baca County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Fort Sumner
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Fort Sumner
Other cities in New Mexico
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.