Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 19138
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for ZIP 19138
ZIP 19138 scores 8.1/10 (Very High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
High-risk area — review your coverage carefully
Properties in very high-risk areas often require specialized coverage that standard homeowners policies do not include. Consider flood insurance through the NFIP, wildfire-specific endorsements, or earthquake riders depending on your top hazards. Premiums in these areas can be significantly higher than average.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 19138, Pennsylvania
Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard, ZIP 19138 serves the Philadelphia 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 19138's overall natural disaster risk is rated 8.1/10 (Very High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. Secondary hazards include heat and winter.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 19138's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.9/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and heat, as measured by FEMA across Pennsylvania. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Given ZIP 19138's very high risk classification, residents should treat disaster preparedness as a year-round priority. This means maintaining updated homeowners and flood insurance, building a 72-hour emergency kit, knowing the evacuation routes for the primary hazards, and signing up for local emergency alert systems.
What this means for ZIP 19138: Cold Wave preparedness
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 19138
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 19138 from other communities in Pennsylvania County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
30,821
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.8/10
Coordinates
40.0559° N, 75.1595° 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 19138
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.