Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 87 <br />and preservation of goods. Climate change can also lead to resource scarcity, affecting the <br />availability of raw materials. <br />• Water Contamination – Flooding and increased runoff can overwhelm sewage and wastewater <br />systems, introducing pollutants into water supplies <br />3.14.7 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT <br />Communities, including Ramsey County, are increasingly vulnerable to various types of infrastructure <br />failures, which can significantly impact daily life, economic stability, and public health. <br />3.14.7.1 People <br />Infrastructure failure can have immediate and long-term health consequences, including injuries and <br />fatalities, disease outbreaks, and limited access to healthcare and emergency services. The community <br />can also suffer economic impacts from job losses, increased costs for basic needed, and economic <br />instability. <br />3.14.7.2 Property <br />Residents and businesses can suffer damages from accidents, power surges, and structural failures. <br />Supply chain disruptions can impact property development and ongoing maintenance. <br />3.14.7.3 Environment <br />Transportation accidents and proximity to industrial areas can impact the environment by <br />contaminating soil and water, harming aquatic life, soil quality, and broader ecosystems from pollutants <br />and toxins. Increased reliance on non-renewable energy sources can lead to higher emissions and <br />environmental degradation as well. <br />3.14.7.4 County and Community Operations <br />Infrastructure failures can stress the community’s ability to respond quickly and effectively, disrupting <br />public services and increasing costs for repairs and recovery. Increased public health responsibilities, <br />delays in procurement, and long-term environmental remediation and management can also result from <br />any number of infrastructure failures. <br />3.14.8 CONSEQUENCE ASSESSMENT <br />Impact on the Public <br />• Transportation Failure: <br />o Restricted mobility and access to essential services (e.g., hospitals, grocery stores). <br />o Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to unsafe road conditions or lack of public <br />transportation. <br />o Potential isolation of communities, especially in rural or remote areas <br />• Electrical and Fuel Shortages: <br />o Loss of heating, cooling, and lighting in homes, leading to discomfort or health risks. This <br />could be particularly consequential for vulnerable populations, particularly those who <br />rely on power for medical equipment. <br />o Disruption of communication channels (e.g., internet, phone) that rely on electricity.