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Ramsey County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2018 Page | 87 care they need, and the Minnesota Department of Health developed the Extreme Heat Toolkit to help educate at-risk populations on how to reduce risks associated with heat waves (Seeley M. , 2015). Population projections show a sizable increase in children alongside a substantial increase in seniors in the Metro Region. Children and seniors have a reduced physical capacity to adjust to and cope with high heat, and are often partially dependent on others to ensure their personal safety and well-being, characteristics that contribute to increased vulnerability. In addition, children often spend more time engaged in physical activity outdoors, while seniors on limited incomes may struggle to pay for air- conditioning. Rising electricity usage may also lead to power disruption or even prolonged outages, which can have further negative health effects (MDH, 2018). Vulnerability Within Ramsey County the risk of extreme heat does not vary geographically. The vulnerability of each jurisdiction to extreme heat has not changed due to any development in the last 5 years. Plans and Programs in Place Ramsey County Emergency Operations Plan, Ramsey County COOP/COG Plan; Ramsey County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, THIRA – Ramsey County maintains several different plans including an Emergency Operations Plan, a Ramsey County COOP/COG Plan and the Ramsey County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which are designed as guides for emergency and/or recovery operations. These plans are intended to assist key county/municipal officials and emergency organizations to carry out their responsibilities for the protection of life and property under a wide range of emergency conditions. Public Warning and Notification – In the event of emergencies or hazardous conditions that require timely and targeted communication to the public, Ramsey County utilizes the Everbridge Mass Notification System, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), Ramsey County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Facebook page, and local news media. Ramsey County promotes the use of NOAA weather radios by critical facilities and the public to receive information broadcast from the National Weather Service. Local television & radio stations assist with sharing public information. Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center has recently upgraded its siren system to be fully functional with the use of polygon-based warnings. Tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service will automatically sound sirens inside or very near the polygon. School Closings – The major school districts within Ramsey County have school closing policies and communications plans in place if inclement weather or temperatures create a hazardous situation for students or staff. School districts also use local mass media to relay information. Mass Care Shelter Facilities – A period of extreme heat coupled with a major power outage may require emergency sheltering for those in need. Ramsey County Libraries can provide extended hours of operation to remain open to the public. Most libraries are located on major bus lines. Saint Paul/Ramsey County Public Health has designated shelter facilities that have agreements with the American Red Cross. Severe Weather Awareness Week – Ramsey County helps promote and participates in the National Weather Service’s “Severe Weather Awareness Week” held in April each year. The event provides education for residents on the dangers of severe weather and how to properly deal with it.