Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Station 8Public Health, Safety, and Security City of Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Open HouseGoals, Strategies, and Actions:For mitigation: Emissions associated with public health, safety, and security services are encapsulated in other sectors of the greenhouse gas inventory, and therefore are not addressed here.For adaptation: Ashland’s outdoor workers, elderly, very young, and low-income populations will be especially vulnerable to health impacts from more frequent and severe heat waves. Rafting, skiing, and other outdoor recreation industries may suffer from reduced snowpack and reduced summer flows, affecting workers throughout the local tourist industry. Increased wildfire risk will stress emergency services and increase the number of homes within wildfire risk areas.Why is it important?Public Health, Safety, and Security refers to the ongoing wellbeing and safety of Ashland’s residents in the face of a changing climate, including health and assistance programs for disadvantage populations, as well as climate-related risks to Ashland’s economy and public safety.What are we talking about? What are we already doing? Although the City of Ashland has limited influence over the health and social services of its residents, the City has made great strides in supporting the local economy and preparing for emergency events. For example: Relevance to addressing priority climate risks Level of City influence The Social Service Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs support disadvantaged and at-risk populations. The annual Ashland is Ready workshop provides emergency planning assistance and information for residents. Firewise Ashland provides residents of the wildland/ urban interface with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for wildfires.