Natural Disaster Risk in Fort Totten

Natural Hazard Profile: Fort Totten, North Dakota

Fort Totten, in Benson County, is a small community of about 1,177 situated in the northern tier of the continental United States. Its continental climate brings extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure, and in particular severe blizzards and spring flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Fort Totten residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Fort Totten carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Winter weather is the dominant natural hazard, with the area facing heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and bitter cold that can immobilize infrastructure and create dangerous travel conditions. The area also faces notable exposure to ice storm and cold wave.

Within North Dakota, Fort Totten's risk is, slightly above the 4.7/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Benson County identifies winter as the foremost hazard, followed by ice storm and cold wave. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Fort Totten 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 winter is recommended.