Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 49288
Waldron, Michigan
Risk Summary for ZIP 49288
ZIP 49288 scores 5.8/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Tornado.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — 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 49288, Michigan
Located in the Great Lakes region, ZIP 49288 serves the Waldron community. The humid continental climate of this part of Michigan — bringing severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 49288's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornadoes represent the primary threat to life and property here, with the local geography placing the community squarely in a high-frequency severe weather corridor. Secondary hazards include lightning and hail.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 49288's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.3/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by tornado and lightning, as measured by FEMA across Michigan. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 49288 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 tornado is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 49288: Tornado preparedness
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and have a NOAA weather radio as a backup.
- Review whether your insurance covers wind and debris damage, and document belongings in advance.
- Identify the safest interior room on the lowest floor — away from windows — as your shelter.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 49288
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 49288 from other communities in Michigan County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,483
Small TownGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.8/10
Coordinates
41.7353° N, 84.4321° 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 49288
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Michigan
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.