Natural Disaster Risk in Charleroi

Natural Hazard Profile: Charleroi, Pennsylvania

Charleroi is a town of roughly 9,959 residents in Washington County, in the interior eastern United States. 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 Charleroi.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Charleroi carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and hail.

Charleroi's risk score, near 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 Washington County, the highest-scoring are landslide, lightning, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Charleroi residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide 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.