Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 21228
Catonsville, Maryland
Risk Summary for ZIP 21228
ZIP 21228 scores 8.3/10 (Very High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.
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 21228, Maryland
ZIP 21228 covers part of the Catonsville area, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The surrounding region experiences warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure, with tropical storm and nor'easter impacts 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 21228's composite natural disaster risk at 8.3 out of 10 — very high risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for heat and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 21228's risk score, considerably above the 6.5/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA, the highest-scoring are winter, heat, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
The very high risk environment in ZIP 21228 warrants proactive steps beyond standard preparedness. Review property insurance annually to ensure it covers the area's primary hazards, including winter. Establish a household emergency plan and keep supplies stocked, as the region's risk profile may require rapid response.
What this means for ZIP 21228: Winter Weather preparedness
- Insulate pipes and keep a backup heat source to prevent freezing during extended cold.
- Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle and home for snow- or ice-related power outages.
- Clear roof snow loads when heavy to prevent structural strain and ice dams.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 21228
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 21228 from other communities in Maryland County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
50,492
UrbanGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.7/10
Coordinates
39.2727° N, 76.7469° 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 21228
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Maryland
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.