Natural Disaster Risk in Burlington

Natural Hazard Profile: Burlington, Pennsylvania

Burlington is a small unincorporated community in Bradford County, in the Great Lakes region. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, with nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding 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 Burlington.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Burlington carries an overall risk score of 5.2/10, placing it in the moderate category. Frequent lightning strikes from an active thunderstorm environment represent the top natural hazard risk, posing safety concerns and causing fire ignitions and power outages. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and landslide.

Burlington's risk score, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Bradford County, the highest-scoring are lightning, avalanche, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Burlington 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.