City of Irvine
2020 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Social Threat
Outside of the property owners directly impacted by a wildfire event, wildfires can also impact seniors and persons with disabilities. These groups may have limited mobility, be immuno-compromised, and/or not receive notifications regarding current conditions and evacuation requirements. For example, a senior who lives alone may not be aware that a wildfire is burning close to their residence, and they have been ordered to evacuate if those notifications were sent in a manner that doesn’t reach them. Persons with disabilities may require special mobility devices or caregiver assistance to go outside, which may not arrive as quickly as needed. Other groups with increased threat levels include people with lower-incomes, renters, and the homeless. These groups may not possess enough financial resources to rebuild their homes or search for new homes in the aftermath of a fire. According to Table 4-18 , residents living in the VHFHSZ have a median income that is approximately $30,000 higher than the city-wide figure, more households with at least one person living with a disability, and fewer residents living under the poverty limit.
Table 4-18: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Threatened Populations
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
City of Irvine
Threatened Population Metric
Population
5,113
256,877
Households
1,510
92,869
Median household income
$124,738
$95,573
Percentage of households with at least one person living with a disability
9.6%
5.8%
Percentage of households living under the poverty limit
7.5%
13.2%
Percentage of households with one member aged 65+
12.5%
19.5%
Other Threats
The issues of Public Safety Power Shutoffs will become a significant issue for many communities throughout California. In Irvine, the presence of 11 circuits that have the potential for one of these events may strain current resources during a significant event. Identifying key locations for sheltering and comforting residents during these events will become a major priority for Irvine. In addition, outreach with residents and businesses to help them prepare for these future events will become an important aspect of the City’s overall hazard mitigation strategy.
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