Natural Disaster Risk in Big Run
Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for Big Run
Big Run scores 5.3/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Lightning.
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: Big Run, Pennsylvania
Big Run, in Jefferson County, is a small community of about 505 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, and in particular nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Big Run residents and property owners must navigate.
Big Run's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.3/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. High lightning activity is the primary natural hazard concern, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces dense ground strike patterns across the area. Secondary hazards include avalanche and winter.
Within Pennsylvania, Big Run's risk is, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Jefferson County identifies lightning as the foremost hazard, followed by avalanche and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Big Run 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 lightning is recommended.
What this means for Big Run: Lightning preparedness
- Avoid plumbing and corded electronics during active thunderstorms.
- Install whole-home surge protection to shield electronics from strike-related power surges.
- Follow the "when thunder roars, go indoors" rule and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
Local Factors for Big Run
These city-level factors differentiate Big Run from other communities in Jefferson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
505
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.7/10
Coordinates
40.9702° N, 78.8765° W
Jefferson 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 Big Run
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Big Run
Other cities in Pennsylvania
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.