2026-03-12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Anoka County2025 Hazard Mitigation Planz.umn.edu/AnokaHMP Indirect health effects from air pollution can include reduced visibility on a high smog day, reduced productivity at work or school due to allergies or asthma, and reduced productivity and degradation of crops and water sources, which can lead to economic burdens. Those most at risk include: Children, because they have developing lungs, are outside more, and they play vigorously and inhale more air per pound of body weight compared to adults. Adults over 60, because their bodies are aging. People with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease because they are more susceptible to air pollution. Individuals living near other sources of air pollution (such as roadways, freeways, and heavy industry), because they are chronically exposed to air pollution. People of color, because they are more likely to be exposed to more air pollution and have a disproportionate burden of heart and lung diseases, which may increase susceptibility. Extreme Precipitation, Floods, Drought Rain is falling more frequently in extreme, heavy, localized events, leading to some parts of our state experiencing flooding while other areas experience drought. Increased frequency and severity of heavy rainfalls can lead to flooding, which results in both direct and indirect health impacts like: Injury or even death from drowning. Illnesses from being exposed to contaminated drinking water or recreational sources. Mental health stress from experiencing the trauma of the event or later from being displaced or dealing with damaged homes and business. Respiratory ailments from exposure to mold from flooded basements. Carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to carbon monoxide when using secondary power sources, like generators. Flooding can also disrupt economic and social networks and put a strain on essential services. The people most at risk are Minnesotans who are more likely to be exposed to flood waters, like those who live in a flood plain or near water bodies, or people who cannot easily evacuate or recover from flooding destruction, such as people who do not have reliable transportation, people who can’t use the stairs when elevators are out of service, people in wheelchairs, people with disabilities, older adults, and lower income people. Heavy rain events can cause standing water in backyards or basements. Many homeowners have experienced wet basements, which is mentally and financially stressful, and if mold starts to grow that can become a health problem. Localized flash flooding can also be a problem where our infrastructure is undersized, and people get caught off guard by flooded roads. This is an important public health safety concern as almost half of flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles. It takes as little as six inches of fast-moving water to knock over and carry away an adult, and as little as 12 inches can carry away a small car. Another public health concern with precipitation changes exacerbated by climate change is waterborne disease outbreaks. Heavy downpours can lead to a host of problems, including increased Section 3 18 Hazards 27