Natural Disaster Risk in Penn Laird

Natural Hazard Profile: Penn Laird, Virginia

Penn Laird is a small community of about 1,496 in Rockingham County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with hurricane and nor'easter exposure 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 Penn Laird.

FEMA rates Penn Laird's composite natural disaster risk at 6.7 out of 10 — high risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for hurricane and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.

Penn Laird's risk score, considerably above the 5.1/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Rockingham County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, hurricane, and landslide. 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, Penn Laird residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for avalanche 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.