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 Cold Vulnerabilities and Risk Factors Some populations pose an additional challenge in that people can be affected by cold more quickly or more severely based on other underlying factors, including age, health and lifestyle choices or circumstances. Individuals possessing any combination of the following characteristics or conditions are at greater risk for experiencing a serious, temperature -attributable illness or injury: • Age and underlying conditions: This at -risk group includes infants and people 65 and older who may be more susceptible to the effects of extreme cold due to their physiology and state of health, or who may be unable to express signs or recognizable symptoms of cold exposure. It includes people with underlying medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, asthma, malnutrition, substance abuse) that may be exacerbated during extreme cold. • Cognitive impairments: People with mental illnesses, with cognitive disorders, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be unable to make rational decisions that would help limit their exposure to excessive cold or to recognize symptoms of excessive cold exposure. In addition to impairing judgment, alcohol, sedatives and other legal or illegal medications or controlled substances may impair the body's ability to generate or maintain body heat. • Mobility constraints: People with mobility constraints are at higher risk during extreme cold if the constraints limit their ability to access appropriately heated 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 cold if their homes lack adequate heating 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 cold 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 has a substantial stock of older homes that may not have been built or maintained to current building code standards, providing less protection from cold 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 insulation or heating systems to protect the occupants from extreme cold. Virtually all residences in Santa Ana rely on electricity or natural gas for heating. Power outages or interruptions in natural gas service or supply that occur during cold temperatures may impact people's ability to heat their home, resulting in far more people becoming susceptible to dangerous cold. Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when a person's core body temperature (usually 98.6 degrees) falls below 95 degrees. The severity of the condition is defined by body temperature. A core temperature of 90-95 degrees is mild hypothermia, 82-90 degrees is moderate, and below 82 degrees is considered severe hypothermia. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include sensation of cold, shivering, exhaustion, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness and confusion. In severe hypothermia, the victim may stop shivering as the body stops trying to create heat. People suffering hypothermia often have impaired judgment and cannot perceive their own need for shelter or medical care. Hypothermia can cause the heart, brain and kidneys to cease functioning and is a rapidly life -threatening condition. Cold weather affects animals just as it affects people. Exposure to harsh conditions can cause serious illness, injury or death to animals. Animals are also affected by wind chill and rain. When the temperature drops below freezing, pets should not be left outside for extended periods. 63