Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 16443

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 16443, Pennsylvania

ZIP 16443 covers part of the West Springfield area, in the Great Lakes region. The surrounding region experiences cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, with nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding shaping the natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.

FEMA rates ZIP 16443's composite natural disaster risk at 6.4 out of 10 — high risk. High lightning activity is the primary natural hazard concern, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces dense ground strike patterns across the area. Residents should also account for winter and wind risk in their preparedness planning.

ZIP 16443's risk score, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA, the highest-scoring are lightning, winter, and wind. 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, ZIP 16443 residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for lightning 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.