Natural Disaster Risk β ZIP Code 15539
Fishertown, Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for ZIP 15539
ZIP 15539 scores 5.1/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
π What this means for insurance
Average risk β standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 15539, Pennsylvania
ZIP 15539 in Fishertown sits in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate produces cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, and notably nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 15539 carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and hurricane.
Within Pennsylvania, ZIP 15539's risk is, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Pennsylvania identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by avalanche and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 15539 residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices β an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 15539: Landslide preparedness
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage β ask about specialized coverage.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 15539
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 15539 from other communities in Pennsylvania County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
158
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.1Β°
Flood Terrain
Minimal β county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower β moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.8/10
Coordinates
40.1283Β° N, 78.5934Β° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 15539
Last 12 months Β· Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1β10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only β consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.