Climate Change, Severe Weather, and Human Health As theeffects of climate change are observed, it is important tocontinue gathering information in order to determine risks and plan appropriate interventions.
On the Home Page of the CDC Disasters and Severe Weather. There are separate sections for: Earthquakes, Extreme Heat, Floods, Hurricanes, Landslides and Mudslides, Lightning, Tornadoes, Tsunamis,Volcanoes, Wildfires, Winter Weather
Other relevant sites: U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Also through NOAA there is access to The National Hurricane Center The National Weather Service Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) http://www.fema.gov
1. (a) What is the typical length of the Hurricane Season each year i.e. the start and end dates?
(b) Briefly describe the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
(c) Why might people not evacuate prior to an extreme weather event? What is the potential impact of social factors on evacuation for a hurricane?
2. Please see CDC Natural Disasters and Severe Weather then read the section on Extreme Heat.
(a) What has happened in Louisiana in the aftermath ofHurricane Ida?
(b) Briefly describe one general approach to protecting people from extreme heat. How can government and other agencies plan for, and provide appropriate services and interventions?
(c) In 2-3 sentences describe one example of a population group which may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, and the reason(s) for the vulnerability.
(d) How does the mortality due to extreme heat compare with other examples of weather-related hazards?
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Introduction: Climate change has become a major concern for the world as it is causing severe weather conditions, which in turn affect human health. In this assignment, we will focus on the impact of climate change on human health, particularly during extreme weather events like hurricanes and extreme heat waves. We will also discuss the role of FEMA and other agencies in managing such situations.
1. (a) The typical length of the hurricane season each year is from June 1 to November 30.
(b) The role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to lead and support the nation in preventing, mitigating, and responding to natural disasters, including hurricanes. FEMA provides planning and coordination support, financial and technical assistance, and other resources to federal, state, and local agencies in response to natural disasters.
(c) People may not evacuate prior to an extreme weather event due to various factors, including denial of the severity of the threat, lack of transportation, fear of leaving their homes, and lack of resources. Social factors like poverty and social isolation can also affect the decision to evacuate. The potential impact of social factors on evacuation for a hurricane can be significant, as vulnerable populations may not have the resources or support to evacuate, leading to higher rates of injury and death.
2. (a) After Hurricane Ida, Louisiana experienced extreme heat, resulting in power outages and challenges in accessing health care services.
(b) One general approach to protecting people from extreme heat is to provide cooling centers or air-conditioned facilities where people can seek shelter. Government and other agencies can plan for these facilities and ensure they are accessible to all members of the community, particularly vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
(c) One population group that may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat is the elderly, as they may have weakened immune systems, chronic medical conditions, or limited mobility. They may also have limited access to resources like air conditioning or transportation.
(d) Mortality due to extreme heat is higher compared to other weather-related hazards, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods. Extreme heat causes dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure and death. Therefore, it is critical to take appropriate measures to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat waves.
