Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 18837

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 18837, Pennsylvania

ZIP 18837 covers part of the Rome 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 18837's composite natural disaster risk at 5.2 out of 10 — moderate 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 avalanche and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.

ZIP 18837's risk score, slightly below 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, avalanche, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 18837 residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for lightning is recommended.