Item 26 - Adoption of the City of Santa Ana Emergency Operations Plan

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City of Santa Ana Emergency Operations Plan Part I Basic Plan Mobility constraints: People with mobility constraints are at higher risk during extreme heat if the constraints limit their ability to access appropriately cooled locations. This group includes the very young, the elderly, the very obese, the bedridden, and those with other access and functional needs that may affect mobility. Economic constraints: The poor may be disproportionately at risk during extreme heat if their homes lack adequate cooling or are poorly maintained, or if they are less likely to use available utilities because of the cost. Homeless persons are at very high risk for an adverse health outcome because of their unprotected exposure to extreme temperatures and lack of resources to limit their exposure or seek medical care if needed. Social isolation: Socially isolated individuals are less likely to recognize symptoms of excessive heat exposure. This can delay or prevent treatment and result in more serious health outcomes. Members of this group, which includes the homeless and those living alone, may also be less willing or able to reach out to others for help. The City of Santa Ana has a substantial homeless population, who are likely to possess several or many of these risk factors. The City also has a substantial stock of older homes that may not have been built or maintained to current building code standards, providing less protection from high temperatures. The City may also have a number of detached garages or other outbuildings that were not built to be residences but have been converted (perhaps illegally) into residences; these may lack adequate ventilation or cooling systems to protect the occupants from high heat. Virtually all residences in Santa Ana with air conditioning rely on electricity for cooling. Power outages or interruptions in natural gas service or supply to power plants that occur during high temperatures may affect people's ability to cool their homes. Figure 60 Heat Disorders by Temperature Exposure Heat Index Category Possible Heat Disorders in Vulnerable or Exposed Populations 130- F Excessive Danger Heatstroke risk excessively high with continued exposure. 105° - 129°F Danger Sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion likely, heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. 90' - 1057 Excessive Caution Sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. 80° - 907 Caution Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. .E