Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 98532
Chehalis, Washington
Risk Summary for ZIP 98532
ZIP 98532 scores 5.5/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Volcanic Activity.
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 98532, Washington
ZIP 98532 covers part of the Chehalis area, in the Pacific Northwest. The surrounding region experiences mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east, with a critical wildfire period in eastern Washington each summer 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 98532's composite natural disaster risk at 5.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat from nearby active volcanoes tops the local risk profile, with potential hazards including ash fall that disrupts air travel and agriculture, and lava that threatens infrastructure. Residents should also account for avalanche and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 98532's risk score, near the 5.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA, the highest-scoring are volcano, avalanche, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 98532 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 volcano is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 98532: Volcanic Activity preparedness
- Keep dust masks and eye protection on hand for ashfall events, which can affect breathing and visibility.
- Monitor official volcano alert levels and have an evacuation plan for lava or lahar zones.
- Protect electronics and HVAC systems from fine volcanic ash during eruptions.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 98532
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 98532 from other communities in Washington County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
27,135
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 46.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 8.0/10
Coordinates
46.6363° N, 123.0344° 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 98532
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Washington
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.