Natural Disaster Risk in Charlestown

Natural Hazard Profile: Charlestown, Rhode Island

Charlestown is a town of roughly 8,051 residents in Washington County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters with coastal influence and warm summers, with nor'easter and coastal flooding events 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 Charlestown.

FEMA rates Charlestown's composite natural disaster risk at 5.4 out of 10 — moderate risk. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Residents should also account for hurricane and ice storm risk in their preparedness planning.

Charlestown's risk score, near the 5.4/10 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 coastal flood, hurricane, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Charlestown 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 coastal flood is recommended.