Natural Disaster Risk in Staten Island

Natural Hazard Profile: Staten Island, New York

Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard in Richmond County, Staten Island is a city of 93,915 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of New York — marked by cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Staten Island a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Staten Island's composite natural disaster risk at 7.2 out of 10 — high risk. Extreme heat is the top natural hazard concern, with summer temperatures regularly reaching dangerous thresholds that pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly and outdoor workers. Residents should also account for coastal flood and wind risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Staten Island's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by heat and coastal flood, as measured by FEMA across Richmond County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Staten Island residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for heat 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.