A firefighter carries a young child wearing a life jacket to safety, up to her ankles in muddy floodwater.

  • Public Domain. Credit: FEMA

    • Asset

    People

    Humans, including human health

    Expand employer and worker training in industries with outdoor work, including assurance for adequate water, shade and rest breaks, and protection from Partner with community members to bring together technical information and social considerations to better inform flood management in historically underserved areas. Encourage landlords and residents to consult flood management professionals about how to prepare for and manage flood and stormwater effects. Use green infrastructure in public spaces and streets to reduce stormwater runoff in historically underserved neighborhoods. Make portable air cleaners more accessible to improve indoor air quality in homes during wildfire smoke events. Create emergency communication plans and tools to quickly and effectively save water during a shortage. Encourage employers to change workplace environments to reduce wildfire smoke and heat exposure. For example, adapt work hours, follow OSHA guidance and provide pop-up clean air shelters and appropriate Monitor water quality at recreational beaches when risk of unsafe conditions is present. Identify individuals and households vulnerable to the effects of drought. Consider low- and moderate-income populations, older adults, individuals with mobility issues, households with limited English Capture the culture and history of high flood risk areas. For example, preserve and transfer the cultures and practices of migrating communities. Another example would be to document and honor culturally Identify garage locations in several neighborhoods where Emergency Medical Services can shelter ambulances and EMA staff during extreme storms and have rapid access to the neighborhoods they serve. Collaborate with public works departments and regional transit providers to increase shading and heat-mitigating materials on pedestrian walkways and transit stops. Expand workforce preparedness training opportunities and programs to quickly restore essential local government services after a major shock. Integrate climate change planning and solutions into emergency planning and preparedness, with a focus on heat and flooding. Inform property owners and residents located in areas at high risk of erosion and landslide about their risks. Integrate climate change into traditional public health programs and core functions. Enhance emergency communication capabilities and evacuation strategies, routes and safety zones. Develop public health outreach strategies for vulnerable populations during heat waves. This effort could be in partnership with community organizations. Provide reduced cost or no-cost flood insurance in areas with low income. Funding could come from housing and community development funds. Launch or expand a neighborhood cooling center program. Browse all strategies

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