Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 38543

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 38543, Tennessee

ZIP 38543 in Alpine sits in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate produces hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns, and notably tornado risk in both spring and fall. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 38543 carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Lightning from frequent convective storms is the leading natural hazard, with above-average strike density creating risks for outdoor activities, trees, and sensitive infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and earthquake.

Within Tennessee, ZIP 38543's risk is, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Tennessee identifies lightning as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 38543 residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for lightning is recommended.