Natural Disaster Risk in Copan

Natural Hazard Profile: Copan, Oklahoma

Located in the interior eastern United States in Washington County, Copan is a small community of about 1,793. The semi-arid climate that characterizes this part of Oklahoma — marked by hot summers, variable winters, and exposure at the center of Tornado Alley — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Copan a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Copan's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.7/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. Secondary hazards include tornado and heat.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Copan's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by ice storm and tornado, as measured by FEMA across Washington County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Copan residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for ice storm 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.