Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 26436
Smithburg, West Virginia
Risk Summary for ZIP 26436
ZIP 26436 scores 3.8/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 26436, West Virginia
ZIP 26436 covers part of the Smithburg area, in the interior eastern United States. The surrounding region experiences cold winters, warm summers, and mountainous terrain that intensifies flooding, with flash flooding and winter storms 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 26436's composite natural disaster risk at 3.8 out of 10 — low risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for avalanche and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 26436's risk score, slightly below the 5.0/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA, the highest-scoring are landslide, avalanche, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, ZIP 26436 is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers landslide — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for ZIP 26436: Landslide preparedness
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 26436
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 26436 from other communities in West Virginia County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
310
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
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: 2.2/10
Coordinates
39.2965° N, 80.7168° 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 26436
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in West Virginia
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.