Kansas Risk Readiness — Hazards, Maps & Tools

KS hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

Kansas averages 96 tornadoes per year — among the highest totals of any state. The Greensburg EF-5 (May 4, 2007) destroyed 95% of the town and killed 11 people. The Dodge City and Great Bend corridors are among the most tornado-active areas in the country. Spring season (April–June) is peak, but Kansas tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year. Kansas grasslands burn fast and hot. The Anderson Creek Fire (2016) burned 400,000 acres across Kansas and Oklahoma — the largest wildfire in Kansas history at the time. The Flint Hills prescribed burn season (April) can produce smoke affecting air quality statewide. Western Kansas in drought years faces extreme fire risk. Kansas ice storms can be devastating — the state straddles the rain-snow line and freezing rain events shut down western Kansas for days. The January 2023 ice storm left tens of thousands without power across the state. Blizzards close I-70 and strand vehicles on the open plains.

1

Tornadoes

Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.

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2

Wildfire

Dry conditions, wind, and vegetation combine to create serious wildfire risk, particularly in dry seasons.

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3

Severe thunderstorms

Damaging winds, hail, and lightning — the most frequent hazard in most US states.

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4

Drought

Multi-year drought cycles affect water supply, agriculture, and wildfire risk.

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5

Flooding

Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.

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Official tools

Look up your address. Know your risk.

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.

Source: FEMA

USGS Earthquake Map

Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.

Source: USGS

Wildfire Risk Score

Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.

Source: USFS

River Gauges

Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.

Source: USGS WaterWatch

Drought Monitor

Weekly drought conditions by county.

Source: US Drought Monitor

Private Well Resources

Water quality guidance for households on private wells.

Source: EPA

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.

Standard homeowner's policies in Kansas exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.

Not in your standard policy

Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy

Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement

Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)

Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded

Next steps

Where do you want to go next?

During an emergency

Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.

NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.

Local Emergency

Get prepared

Run through the KS checklist.

Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Kansas.

KS Checklists