Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Public Health, Safety & Well-being Climate change may seem removed from issues of health, safety, and security, its effects may have significant impacts on Ashland’s population. Increased heat waves, flooding, and wildfires threaten the health and safety of all residents, and Ashland’s outdoor industry workers, the elderly and very young, and low- income populations are especially vulnerable. 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. While many of the strategies and actions in other sections of this report have positive direct impacts or co-benefits on public health and safety, these issues are important enough to merit specific discussion. Without healthy, happy, and secure citizens, Ashland will not thrive. Note: Emissions associated with public health, safety, and well-being are encapsulated in other sectors of the greenhouse gas inventory and therefore cannot be independently evaluated.Progress to Date Although the City of Ashland has limited influence over the health and social security of its residents, the City has made great strides in supporting the local economy and preparing for emergency events: • Firewise Ashland provides residents of the wildland urban interface with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for wildfires. • 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. 92ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANPUBLIC HEAL TH, SAFETY & WELL-BEING 92