Natural Disaster Risk in Cold Brook
New York
Risk Summary for Cold Brook
Cold Brook scores 5.4/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Cold Brook, New York
Cold Brook is a small community of about 1,729 in Herkimer County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation, with nor'easters and lake-effect snowstorms 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 Cold Brook.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cold Brook carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and winter.
Cold Brook's risk score, slightly below the 6.1/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Herkimer County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Cold Brook residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for avalanche is recommended.
What this means for Cold Brook: Avalanche preparedness
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for Cold Brook
These city-level factors differentiate Cold Brook from other communities in Herkimer County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,729
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 43.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.5/10
Coordinates
43.3165° N, 74.9333° W
Herkimer 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 Cold Brook
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Cold Brook
Other cities in New York
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.