Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 19538

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 19538, Pennsylvania

ZIP 19538 in Maxatawny sits along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. 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 19538 carries an overall risk score of 8.2/10, placing it in the very high category. Winter weather is the dominant natural hazard, with the area facing heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and bitter cold that can immobilize infrastructure and create dangerous travel conditions. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and lightning.

Within Pennsylvania, ZIP 19538's risk is, considerably above the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Pennsylvania identifies winter as the foremost hazard, followed by wind and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Given ZIP 19538'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.