The State with the Least Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are a fact of life in the United States. From hurricanes and wildfires to tornadoes and floods, these events can devastate communities, disrupt lives, and strain resources. However, not all states face the same level of risk. Some states, thanks to their geography and climate, are far safer from nature’s wrath, while others face constant threats.
In this guide, we’ll explore the states with the least and most natural disasters, breaking down why each state lands where it does. We’ll also discuss the importance of business continuity and disaster recovery planning, and introduce Kuali Ready, a tool designed to help institutions prepare for the unexpected.
What is a Natural Disaster?
A natural disaster is a catastrophic event caused by natural processes of the Earth. These events can include hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and more. They often result in significant damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment, as well as loss of life. According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. experienced 27 billion-dollar disasters in 2024 alone, highlighting the growing frequency and severity of these events.
Natural disasters can strike anywhere, but some regions are far more vulnerable than others. Understanding which states are safest and riskiest can help individuals and institutions make informed decisions about where to live, work, and invest in preparedness.
States with the Least Natural Disasters
Michigan
Michigan is often called one of the safest states in the U.S. when it comes to natural disasters. Nestled in the Great Lakes region, it’s far from the hurricane-prone coasts and doesn’t sit on any major fault lines, making earthquakes a non-issue. While Michigan isn’t completely immune to tornadoes, they’re infrequent and tend to be less severe than those in Tornado Alley. According to FEMA’s National Risk Index, Michigan ranks among the lowest in overall disaster risk. The state’s biggest weather challenges are winter storms and occasional flooding, but these are manageable with proper preparation.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s northern location and relatively flat terrain make it a low-risk state for most natural disasters. Tornadoes are rare, and their distance from the coast means hurricanes aren’t a concern. The state does experience harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and occasional blizzards, but these are predictable and well-prepared-for events. Flooding along rivers like the Mississippi and Red River can be an issue during spring thaw, but overall, Minnesota’s natural disaster risks are minimal compared to many other states. NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information highlights Minnesota’s low frequency of major disaster declarations.
Illinois
Illinois might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of safety from natural disasters, but it’s surprisingly low-risk. While it does see tornadoes, they’re less frequent and less intense than in states like Oklahoma or Kansas. Illinois is also far from coastal areas, so hurricanes aren’t a threat. The state’s biggest natural challenges are flooding along its rivers and occasional severe thunderstorms. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Illinois’s flood risk is moderate but manageable with proper planning.
Vermont
Vermont’s small size and rural nature make it one of the safest states in the country. It’s far from coastal areas, so hurricanes aren’t a concern, and its mountainous terrain reduces the likelihood of tornadoes. The state does experience harsh winters, but these are predictable and manageable. Vermont’s biggest natural threat is flooding, particularly during the spring thaw. FEMA’s flood maps show that while some areas are at risk, the state’s overall disaster profile remains low.
Ohio
Ohio’s central location and moderate climate make it one of the safest states for natural disasters. While the state does experience tornadoes, they’re less frequent and less severe than in the Tornado Alley states. Ohio is also far from coastal areas, eliminating hurricane risk. The state’s biggest natural threats are flooding and occasional winter storms. According to NOAA’s Storm Events Database, Ohio’s disaster frequency is significantly lower than the national average.
States with the Most Natural Disasters
California
California is a state of extremes, and that includes its natural disaster risks. Wildfires are a constant threat, fueled by drought conditions and Santa Ana winds. The 2024 wildfires, which devastated the Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, are a stark reminder of how quickly these fires can spiral out of control. Earthquakes are another major concern, thanks to the San Andreas Fault. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), California has a 99.7% chance of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake in the next 30 years. The state also faces risks of landslides, flooding, and even tsunamis along its coastline.
Florida
Florida’s nickname, "The Sunshine State," belies its darker side: it’s one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season brought several powerful storms, including Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage. Florida’s low-lying geography also makes it prone to flooding, even from routine thunderstorms. According to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, Florida has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state since 1851. Add in the occasional tornado and the constant threat of rising sea levels, and it’s clear why Florida ranks high on the list of risky states.
Texas
Texas is a state of contrasts, and that extends to its natural disaster risks. The Gulf Coast faces hurricanes and flooding, while the northern regions are prone to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. The state’s vast size means it’s vulnerable to a wide range of disasters, from wildfires in the west to ice storms in the panhandle. The 2024 hurricane season brought significant rainfall and flooding to parts of Texas, underscoring the state’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather. FEMA’s National Risk Index ranks Texas as one of the highest-risk states for natural disasters.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is part of Tornado Alley, making it one of the most tornado-prone states in the country. The state also experiences severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and flooding. While Oklahoma is far from coastal areas, its central location does little to protect it from the frequent and intense weather systems that sweep across the Plains. According to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, Oklahoma averages more than 50 tornadoes per year, one of the highest rates in the nation.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s location along the Gulf Coast makes it highly vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. The state’s low-lying geography and extensive wetlands exacerbate the impact of storm surges and heavy rainfall. Hurricane Helene in 2024 caused significant damage to Louisiana, underscoring the state’s ongoing struggle with natural disasters. According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, Louisiana has experienced more billion-dollar disasters per capita than any other state.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Natural disasters don’t just disrupt homes and businesses—they also have a profound impact on education, affecting both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The consequences can be far-reaching, from interrupted learning to the loss of critical research.
K-12 Schools
For K-12 schools, natural disasters often lead to prolonged closures, disrupting students’ learning and forcing families to find alternative arrangements. Schools may also suffer physical damage, requiring costly repairs and delaying the return to normal operations. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), nearly half of all public schools in the U.S. need updates to withstand natural disasters.
Higher Education
Higher education institutions face unique challenges when disasters strike. Campuses are often large and complex, with a wide range of facilities, from classrooms and dormitories to research labs and athletic centers. Disasters can disrupt academic schedules, delay graduation timelines, and strain campus resources. But perhaps the most devastating impact is on research.
Research projects, particularly those that are decades-long, can be lost in a moment if there isn’t a robust business continuity plan (BCP) in place. Imagine a lab studying climate change, with years of data stored on vulnerable servers, or a medical research team on the brink of a breakthrough, only to lose everything in a flood or fire. The loss isn’t just financial—it’s a setback to scientific progress and a blow to the researchers who have dedicated their careers to these projects. A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights the vulnerability of research infrastructure to disasters and underscores the need for comprehensive BCPs to protect critical data, equipment, and long-term projects.
The Double Whammy: COVID-19 and Campus Protests
The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity to disaster preparedness. Schools and universities were forced to adapt to remote learning, a shift that revealed gaps in their ability to handle large-scale disruptions. In recent years, campus protests and civil unrest have further complicated the landscape, requiring institutions to plan for a wide range of scenarios, from natural disasters to human-caused disruptions. This makes having a comprehensive BCP more critical than ever.
Try Kuali Ready
Since 2004, Kuali has been helping institutions create and manage continuity plans with ease. Kuali Ready is a powerful tool designed to simplify the process of business continuity planning. With features like customization, WYSIWYG drag-and-drop form and workflow creation, and a user-friendly dashboard, Kuali Ready makes it easy to develop and implement plans tailored to your institution’s unique needs.
One of the standout features of Kuali Ready is its dynamic conditional logic. This allows BCP administrators to customize tasks and instructions based on each stakeholder’s role, or reveal additional required fields based on data input. This smart feature breaks down the business continuity planning process into smaller, more manageable steps with clear, role-specific instructions. The result? Plans are completed faster and with greater accuracy. Since the process is quick and intuitive, institutions can create more plans efficiently. Plus, with effortless updates, it’s easy to keep continuity plans current, even as staff roles change. This flexibility ensures your institution is always prepared—whether facing natural disasters, staffing changes, or unexpected events.
Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster, a power outage, or a campus protest, Kuali Ready provides the tools you need to stay resilient and responsive.
Be Prepared with Kuali Ready
Don’t wait for the next disaster to strike. Start building your institution’s resilience today with Kuali Ready. Visit our Kuali Ready page to learn more and request a demo.