Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 47978

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 47978, Indiana

ZIP 47978 in Rensselaer sits in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate produces cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather, and notably spring tornado risk across the state. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 47978 carries an overall risk score of 4.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and hail.

Within Indiana, ZIP 47978's risk is, slightly below the 5.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Indiana identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by wind and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 47978 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 cold wave is recommended.