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Severe Weather 14.3 EXPOSURE AND VULNERABILITY All people and property and the entire environment of the planning area are exposed to some degree to the severe weather hazard. 14.3.1 Population The most common problems associated with severe weather events are immobility and loss of utilities. Although all populations in the planning area are exposed to severe weather events, some populations are more vulnerable. Vulnerable populations are the elderly, low income or linguistically isolated populations, people with life- threatening illnesses, and community members living in areas that are isolated from major roads. Power outages can be life threatening to those dependent on electricity for life support. Populations living at higher elevations with large stands of trees or power lines may be more susceptible to wind damage and black out, while populations in low-lying areas are at risk for possible flooding. In general, populations who lack adequate shelter during severe weather events, those who are reliant on sustained sources of power in order to survive, and those who live in isolated areas with limited ingress and egress options are the most vulnerable. To apply an equity lens to this assessment, an analysis was performed using the SoVI ratings (see Section 7.2.2) of the entire planning area population. Detailed results are in Appendix E and are summarized for the overall planning area in Table 14-6. Table 14-6. Distribution of Population Exposed to Severe Weather Hazard by SoVI Rating SoVI Rating Population Living in Exposed Areas Having the SoVI Rating Shown Number of People % of Total Exposed Population Very High 133,222 18.54% Relatively High 192,062 26.73% Relatively Moderate 175,116 24.37% Relatively Low 118,629 16.51% Very Low 99,422 13.85% Socially vulnerable communities may be particularly at risk of extreme heat due to increased prevalence of preexisting health conditions and greater reliance on public transportation, and because they tend to live urban areas with limited vegetation, exposing them more acutely to the stresses of heat. In addition to living in hotter neighborhoods, socially vulnerable communities tend to face barriers adapting to extreme heat events, such as the increased cost of operating an in-home air conditioning unit at a higher level or for an extended period of time, or they may lack access to a cooling center. In addition, socially vulnerable communities may not be able to afford to cool work or living spaces or may be forced to choose between air conditioning and necessities like food and rent. People with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities and older adults may be more vulnerable as they may not receive heat outreach information and emergency notifications due to language or other accessibility obstacles. Extreme heat-related illnesses and fatalities are preventable if adequately prepared for. 14.3.2 Property All property is vulnerable during severe weather events, but properties in poor condition or in particularly vulnerable locations may risk the most damage. The most common impacts of specific weather event types on property are as follows: 14-17