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P a g e | 4 <br /> <br /> <br />1.2 Understanding Social Vulnerability in Your Jurisdiction <br /> <br />Each jurisdiction (county, city or special district) either has or serves socially vulnerable populations. FEMA <br />recognizes that the following populations may be disproportionately impacted by disasters: <br /> <br /> Underserved communities <br />with a low socioeconomic <br />status <br /> People of color <br /> Tribal and first nation <br />communities <br /> Women <br /> Members of the LGBTQ+ <br />community <br /> Individuals experiencing <br />homelessness or <br />displacement <br /> Rural communities <br /> Elderly and youth <br /> People with limited English <br />proficiency <br /> Service workers and migrant <br />laborers <br /> People with limited cognitive <br />or physical abilities <br /> Institutionalized populations <br />(in prisons and nursing <br />homes) <br /> Renters <br /> <br /> <br />Social vulnerability exists in every part of San Mateo County, even in our most affluent <br />and relatively homogenous communities. Below are some examples of how a member <br />of a socially vulnerable group may face barriers, increased risks and unique challenges <br />from hazards and disasters: <br /> <br /> <br />Examples of how social vulnerability increases risks from hazards <br /> <br /> Undocumented immigrants may not feel safe accessing shelters or relief, as was the case during <br />the North Bay Fires. Transgender people may be refused shelter appropriate to their gender. <br /> Communities of color and/or transgender people may not feel safe seeking help from police. <br /> Members of the Muslim and/or Jewish community who follow strict prayer and dietary practices <br />may not feel comfortable accessing shelters or emergency food supplies. <br /> Indigenous community members may feel that culturally essential areas or resources are not <br />being prioritized for mitigation. <br /> Low-income people may not be able to afford air filtration devices, generators, air conditioners, <br />or to replace spoiled food resulting from power outages. <br /> Informal workforce and outdoor workers may not be included if sheltering in place is necessary <br />while they are working at an employer’s work place or home. <br />Disruption of access to basic needs <br /> Transit dependent populations will need assistance to evacuate rapidly. <br /> Community members who depend on food from formal and informal food banks may not be able <br />to access adequate food if a disaster or hazard disrupts food distribution. <br /> Community members may be unable to access their go to resources such as their faith <br />community and community organizations with cultural, linguistic and accessibility competencies.