Natural Disaster Risk in Brookings

Natural Hazard Profile: Brookings, Oregon

Brookings is a city of approximately 14,586 residents in Curry County, in the western mountain region near the Pacific Coast. The area experiences mild, wet winters on the coast and semi-arid conditions inland, with a high wildfire risk period in the dry summer months 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 Brookings.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Brookings carries an overall risk score of 4.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and wildfire.

Brookings's risk score, slightly below the 5.7/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Curry County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, earthquake, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Brookings 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 tsunami is recommended.