To properly prepare for emergencies and disasters, it is important to know and understand the hazards that residents and visitors face. In Guilford County, we can be impacted by natural disasters, technological events such as a chemical spill, and man-made events such as a civil disturbance. 

Guilford County Top Hazards

The following table identifies hazards according to three categories: high risk, medium risk, and low risk. For purposes of these classifications, risk is expressed in relative terms according to the estimated impact that a hazard will have on human life, property, the environment, and the Emergency Management Program’s operation throughout all of Guilford County. It should be noted that although some hazards are classified below as posing low risk, their occurrence of varying or unprecedented magnitudes is still possible in some cases and their assigned classification will continue to be evaluated during future plan updates.

Risk LevelHazards
High Risk
  • Winter Storm
  • Hurricane/Other Tropical Disturbance
  • Thunderstorm (Wind/Lightning)
  • Flooding
  • Hazardous Materials Incident
  • Tornado Public Health/Emerging Disease Threat
  • Communications Systems Disruption/Failure
Medium Risk
  • Energy/Power/Utility Failure
  • Transportation Incident
  • Drought
  • Resource Shortage (Water/Fuel)
  • Pipeline Failure
  • Cyber-Security Threat
  • Hail
  • Extreme Heat
Low Risk
  • Fire
  • Bioterrorism
  • Civil Disturbance
  • Terrorism
  • Extreme Cold
  • Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
  • Earthquake
  • Building/Structure Collapse

More Information on Hazard Risks in Guilford County

Guilford County Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

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