Photo: W.marsh · CC BY-SA 3.0More hazard damage per building is expected in Burkesville than in 98% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Burkesville gets a D− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 98% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (91%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2010.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Burkesville faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Burkesville’s grade
River and rain flooding is 91% of the building damage FEMA expects in Burkesville, and Burkesville’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
D− higher expected damage per building than 98% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Burkesville’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.5M a year in losses across Burkesville: $1.3M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Burkesville flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2010
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Burkesville, from FEMA’s records: 1.1 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 76% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Burkesville
Disasters that paid out in Burkesville itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Burkesville), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2010Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Tornadoes65 households applied for aid$74K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
Cumberland County has had 19 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Burkesville after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Burkesville archive →Get ready for what Burkesville faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Burkesville
Is Burkesville at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Burkesville has higher expected damage per building than 98% of U.S. towns: D− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (91%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Burkesville flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Burkesville since 2010, $109K in all, or 1.1 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 76% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Burkesville in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map.
How much is flood insurance in Burkesville?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Burkesville’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Burkesville?
By FEMA money that reached Burkesville, Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Tornadoes (2010): 65 households applied for aid, $74K approved.
Is Burkesville at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (91%), and Burkesville’s rate for it is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Burkesville.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Burkesville’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.