Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 01243

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 01243, Massachusetts

Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard, ZIP 01243 serves the Middlefield community. The humid continental climate of this part of Massachusetts — bringing cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.

ZIP 01243's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.5/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane risk defines the natural hazard environment here, requiring residents to maintain seasonal preparedness plans and insurance coverage for wind and flood damage. Secondary hazards include avalanche and ice storm.

Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 01243's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hurricane and avalanche, as measured by FEMA across Massachusetts. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, ZIP 01243 residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hurricane 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.