Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 17344
McSherrystown, Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for ZIP 17344
ZIP 17344 scores 6.0/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 17344, Pennsylvania
Located along the mid-Atlantic coast, ZIP 17344 serves the McSherrystown community. The humid continental climate of this part of Pennsylvania — bringing cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 17344's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.0/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include hurricane and earthquake.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 17344's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.9/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Pennsylvania. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 17344's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for ZIP 17344: Drought preparedness
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 17344
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 17344 from other communities in Pennsylvania County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
3,719
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.1/10
Coordinates
39.8053° N, 77.0189° 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 17344
Last 12 months · 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 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.