Natural Disaster Risk β ZIP Code 24442
Head Waters, Virginia
Risk Summary for ZIP 24442
ZIP 24442 scores 4.0/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
π What this means for insurance
Average risk β standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 24442, Virginia
Located along the mid-Atlantic coast, ZIP 24442 serves the Head Waters community. The humid subtropical climate of this part of Virginia β bringing hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons β directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 24442's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.0/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. Secondary hazards include landslide and drought.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 24442's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by avalanche and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Virginia. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 24442's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that avalanche exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for ZIP 24442: Avalanche preparedness
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 24442
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 24442 from other communities in Virginia County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
68
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.4Β°
Flood Terrain
Minimal β county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower β moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.4/10
Coordinates
38.3597Β° N, 79.3903Β° 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 24442
Last 12 months Β· Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Virginia
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1β10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only β consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.