City of Irvine
2020 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
threat from extreme heat events. Young children may not be aware of the signs of dehydration or ways of protecting themselves from heatstroke. People living in homelessness are at a high risk of health complications during heat waves, especially if they are unsheltered. According to data counts by the OC Health Care Agency, in 2017, there were approximately 4,800 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county, with over 50 percent unsheltered, approximately 25 percent in emergency shelters, and 20 percent in transitional shelters. 130 During a heatwave, these people are very vulnerable to heatstroke, especially if they are unable to reach a cooling center. Sudden spikes in heat can catch people by surprise. Stores can rapidly sell out of fans, air-conditioning units, or drinking water during a heatwave. Lower-income households or those with limited mobility may be unable to acquire enough insulation or cooling devices without significant advance preparations. This can be further compounded by the threat of Public Safety Power Shutoff events. During these events, extreme heat impacts may affect l arger portions of the City and populations that wouldn’t be viewed as vulnerable under normal circumstances. Severe Wind Events such as severe winds and winter weather can harm people throughout Irvine but have a greater effect on the safety of homeless persons and persons who work outdoors. Lower-income households, who may not be able to afford homes built or retrofitted to withstand powerful winds, could also have difficulty coping or recovering from heavy winds or storms. This can be further compounded by the threat of Public Safety Power Shutoff events. During these events, extreme heat impacts may affect larger portions of the City and populations that wouldn’t be viewed as vulnerable under normal circumstances. Rain Rain events pose a threat to any groups in Irvine who are not able to access adequate shelter. People who are homeless most often live in tents or informal structures that may protect against minor rains but are inadequate against a heavy rain event. Heavy rain can lead to flash flooding, which could sweep away any informal dwellings located within drainages and stream courses. Additionally, vulnerable populations living in older homes that have outdated building materials may experience damage during significant rain events. If affected groups have limited incomes or lack the resources to make necessary repairs or maintain the structures, retrofit of these structures may be hindered.
Wildfire
Physical Threat
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City’s Local Responsibility Area (LRA). Figure 4-11 identifies these zones along with the City’s CFs and FOC. All structures located within this fire zone are at an elevated risk to wildfire impacts. Table 4-17 identifies 6 CFs and one facility of concern within this zone, which could result in a potential loss of approximately $1.4 million. While these areas have a high degree of vulnerability to wildfire, other areas of the City may also be susceptible due to ember cast. These areas typically referred to as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) are vulnerable if the right conditions exist. Typically, the WUI is impacted if adequate fuels are combined with dry conditions and strong winds. Sometime the ignition of a wildfire
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