Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland

Natural Hazard Profile: Cumberland, Rhode Island

Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard in Providence County, Cumberland is a city of approximately 36,820 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Rhode Island — marked by cold winters with coastal influence and warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Cumberland a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Cumberland's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. Secondary hazards include coastal flood and hurricane.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Cumberland's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by heat and coastal flood, as measured by FEMA across Providence County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

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