16110: Architect will develop a state policy on
acceptable levels of earthquake risk for new
and existing state-owned buildings.
Government Code Section 8871- 8871.5: Established the California Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1986.
Health and Safety Code Section 130000 -
130025:
Defined earthquake performance standards
for hospitals.
Public Resources Code Section 2805 – 2808: Established the California Earthquake Education Project.
Government Code Section 8899.10 - 8899.16: Established the Earthquake Research Evaluation Conference.
Public Resources Code Section 2621 – 2630
2621:
Established the Alquist -Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Act.
Government Code Section Public 8878.50 -
8878.52 8878.50:
Created the Earthquake Safety and Public
Buildings Rehabilitation Bond Act of 1990.
Education Code Section 35295 - 35297 35295: Established emergency procedure systems in kindergarten through grade 12 in all the public
or private schools.
Health and Safety Code Section 19160-19169: Established standards for seismic retrofitting of unreinforced masonry building.
Health and Safety Code Section 1596.80 -
1596.879:
Required all child day care facilities to
include an Earthquake Preparedness Checklist
as an attachment to their disaster plan.
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge Earthquake in 1994 caused $3 billion in hospital -related damage and evacuations. Twelve hospital buildings constructed before the Act were cited (red tagged) as unsafe for occupancy after the earthquake. Those hospitals that had been built in accordance with the 1973 Hospital Act were very successful in resisting structural damage. However, nonstructural damage (for example, plumbing and ceiling systems) was still extensive in those post-1973 buildings.
Senate Bill 1953 ("SB 1953"), enacted in 1994 after the Northridge Earthquake, expanded the scope of the 1973 Hospital Act. Under SB 1953, all hospitals are required, as of January 1, 2 008, to survive earthquakes without collapsing or posing the threat of significant loss of life. The 1994 Act further mandates that all existing hospitals be seismically evaluated, and retrofitted, if needed, by 2030, so that they are in substantial compliance with the Act (which requires that the hospital buildings be reaso nably capable of providing services to the public after disasters). SB 1953 applies to all urgent care facilities (including those built prior to the 1973 Hospital Act) and affects approximately 2,500 buildings on 475 campuses.
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BUSINESSES/PRIVATE SECTOR
Natural hazards have a devastating impact on businesses. In fact, of all businesses which close following a disaster, more than forty-three percent never reopen, and an additional twenty-nine percent close for good within the next two years 60. The Institute of Business and Home Safety has developed “Open for Business ", which is a disaster planning toolkit to help guide businesses in preparing for and dealing with the adverse effects of natural hazards. The kit integrates protection from natur al disasters into the company's risk reduction measures to safeguard employees, customers, and the investment itself. The guide helps businesses secure human and physical resources during disasters and helps to develop strategies to maintain business continuity before, during, and after a disaster occurs.
EARTHQUAKE EDUCATION
Earthquake research and education activities are conducted at several major universities in the Southern California region, including Cal Tech, USC, UCLA, UCI, and UCSB. The local clearing house for earthquake information is the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), located at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, Telephone: (213) 740 -5843, Fax: (213) 740-0011, Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.scec.org. The SCEC is a community of scientists and specialists who actively coordinate research on earthquake hazards at nine core institutions and communicate earthquake information to the public. The SCEC is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center and is co -funded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
In addi
tion, Los Angeles County along with other Southern California counties sponsors the Emergency Survival Program (ESP), an educational program for learning how to prepare for earthquakes and other disasters. Many school districts have very active emergency preparedness programs that include earthquake drills and periodic disaster response team exercises.
Proposed Earthquake Mitigation Action Items
The earthquake mitigation action items provide guidance on suggesting specific activities that agencies, organizations, and residents in the City of Pomona can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from earthquake events. Each action item is followed b y ideas for implementation, which can be used by the steering committee and local decision makers in pursuing strategies for implementation. The City of Pomona proposes the following earthquake mitigation action items as detailed in Section 11.3:
• Mitigation Action 2.3: Reinforcement of Other City Facilities • Mitigation Action 2.5: Aging Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement
60 Institute for Business and Home Safety Resources. August 2021.
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• Mitigation Action 4.1: Unreinforced Masonry Buildings • Mitigation Action 4.2: Vulnerable Building Reinforcement • Mitigation Action 4.3: Valuing Heritage
• Mitigation Action 4.5: Expanded Code Enforcement in Overcrowded Neighborhoods
11.2.2 EXISTING LANDSLIDE MITIGATION ACTIVIES
LANDSLIDE BUILDING AND ZONING CODES
The City of Pomona Development Code addresses development on steep slopes in subsection 580I0 concerning development for hillside properties. These sections outline standards for areas with median slopes of 10 percent or more before grading. Generally, the ordinance requires larger lot sizes based on slope percentage, as is indicated in Table 11-2. The ordinance also allows for building design to accommodate the site, landscaping to protect against erosion, drainage, and controls for excavations and grading. The Hillside provisions also allow for a Hillside Advisory Review Committee to review development plans in hillside areas.
Table 11-2: Minimum Lot Sizes in Residential Hillside Areas GRADE OF SLOPE (PERCENT) MINIMUM LOT SIZE (SQ. FT.)
0 - 10 7,200
10 - 30 10,000
30 - 40 20,000
40 or more 1 acre
Source: City of Pomona Zoning Ordinance, 1971-1972; revised 2010
Proposed Landslide Mitigation Action Items
The City of Pomona proposes the following landslide mitigation action items as detailed in Section 11.3:
• Mitigation Action 4.6: Landslide Prevention
• Mitigation Action 4.7: Landslide Prevention Development Standards
11.2.3 EXISTING WILDFIRE MITIGATION ACTIVITIES
Existing mitigation activities include current mitigation programs and activities that are being implemented by county, regional, state, or federal agencies or organizations.
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LOCAL PROGRAMS
In Southern California there are dozens of independent local fire departments as well as large county wide consolidated fire districts. Although each district or department is responsible for fire related issues in specific geographic areas, they work together to keep Southern California residents safe from fire. Although fire agencies work together to fight urban/wildland interface fires, each separate agency may have a somewhat different set of codes to enforce for mitigation activities.
In Pomona, fire protection is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Fire Department not only provides response to fire emergencies, but also provides fire prevention, brush clearance, and education programs.
FIRE CODES
Developments within high fire threat are subject to the City of Pomona Zoning Ordinance and the California Building Code. These codes require buildings to incorporate fire resistant materials, maintain setbacks between buildings, and maintain landscaping and clear fire hazard brush. Both the Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code are subject to regular updates.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Programs
FEMA is directly responsible for providing fire suppression assistance grants and, in certain cases, major disaster assistance and hazard mitigation grants in response to fires. The role of FEMA in the wildland/urban interface is to encourage comprehensive disaster preparedness plans and programs, increase the capability of state and local governments, and provide for a greater understanding of FEMA programs at the federal, state and local levels. 61 Fire Suppression Assistance Grants
Fire Suppression Assistance Grants may be provided to a state with an approved hazard mitigation plan for the suppression of a forest or grassland fire that threatens to become a major disaster on public or private lands. These grants are provided to protect life and improved property and encourage the development and implementation of viable multi-hazard mitigation measures and provide training to clarify FEMA's programs. The grant may include funds for equipment, supplies and personnel. A Fire Suppression Assistance Grant is the form of assistance most often provided by FEMA to a state for a fire. The grants are cost-shared with states. FEMA’s US Fire Administration (USFA) provides public education materials addressing wildland/urban interface issues and the USFA’s National Fire Academy provides training programs.
61 Source: National lnteragency Fire Center. Boise ID and California Division of Forestry, Riverside Fire Lab.
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National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program Federal agencies can use the National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program to focus on wildland/urban interface fire protection issues and actions. The Western Governors' Association (WGA) can act as a catalyst to involve state agencies, as well as local and private stakeholders, with the objective of developing an implementation plan to achieve a uniform, integrated national approach to hazard and risk assessment and fire prevention and protection in the wildland/urban interface. The program helps states develop viable and comprehensive wildland fire mitigation plans and performance-based partnerships.
Proposed Wildfire Mitigation Action Items
The City of Pomona proposes the following wildfire mitigation action items as detailed in Section
11.3:
• Mitigation Action 2.3: Reinforcement of Other City Facilities • Mitigation Action 2.5: Aging Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement • Mitigation Action 4.4: Reduced Wildfire Threat
11.2.4 EXISTING FLOOD MITIGATION ACTIVITIES
Flood mitigation activities listed here include current mitigation programs and activities that are implemented by the City of Pomona or other agencies.
FLOOD MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
Flood management structures can assist in regulating flood levels by adjusting water flows upstream of flood-prone areas. There are four dams in the immediate vicinity of the City, holding a total roughly 30,000 acre -feet of water. Releases of water from the impoundments are designed to protect the City of Pomona from high floodwaters. These facilities are:
• San Antonio Dam and Reservoir. 9,350 acre-feet (San Antonio and Chino Creeks); • Live Oak Reservoir. 2,500 acre-feet (Live Oak)
62 • Puddingstone Dam and Reservoir. 17,400 acre-feet (Walnut Creek); and • Thompson Creek Dam and Reservoir. 812 acre-feet (Cobal, Williams, Palmer, Padua, and Thompson Creeks). 63
62 City of Pomona. Materials Recovery Facility Draft Environmental Impact Report. April 1996. 63 Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Hydrologic Report 1996-1997.
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STORMWATER SYSTEMS
Pomona has an extensive storm drainage network to prevent flooding by conveying water off the streets and into drainage channels. Its existing drainage system is an urban network that generally consists of curbside catch basins, inlet structures, and manholes connected by reinforced concrete laterals and main lines, draining into storm drain channels. The City has approximately 30 miles of drainage pipes and 300 miles of streets that are designed to withstand a 100-year storm event.
Storm water runoff is transported via this network to five major channels. These channels are lined with concrete and designed to accommodate a 200-year storm event:
64 • San Antonio Creek and Flood Control Channel . Located along the westerly and southwesterly limits of the City, it connects to Chino Creek going south; • Chino Creek. Located along the southerly portion of the city in the Puente Hills, it joins to San Antonio Creek further south;
• Thompson Creek. Runs from north to south through the northern portion of the City, it bends westward and becomes North San Jose Creek;
• North San Jose Creek. Located in the western part of the City, it drains to the Whittier Narrows; and
• South San Jose Creek. Parallel to and south of North San Jose Creek in the western portion of the City, stalling from the Corona Expressway and going southwest; drains to the Whittier Narrows.65
DAM EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Due to the potential severity of dam failures, FEMA requires that all dam owners develop Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for warning, evacuation, and post -flood actions. Plans have been established by the USACE and MWD to protect residents and businesses of the affected area in case of dam failures.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP)
The City of Pomona actively promotes the public participation in the National Flood Insurance Program at every opportunity. City Code Section 18 -600 Flood Plain Management was enacted in 2006 to address the requirements of the NFIP and to mitigate the Flood Hazard in the City of Pomona.
64 City of Pomona. Master Environmental Assessment. 1994. 65 Ahmad Ansaru. City of Pomona P.E., Assistant City Engineer. Written communication. February 6, 2004.
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Proposed Flooding Mitigation Action Items
The City of Pomona proposes the following wildfire mitigation action items as detailed in Section
11.3:
• Mitigation Action 2.6: Localized Flood Control Improvements
11.2.5 EXISTING WINDSTORM MITIGATION ACTIVITIES
As stated, one of the most common problems associated with windstorms is power outage. High winds can cause trees to bend, sag, or fail (tree limbs or entire trees), coming into contact with nearby distribution power lines. Fallen trees can cause short -circuiting and conductor overloading. Wind-induced damage to the power system causes power outages to customers, incurs cost to make repairs, and in some cases can lead to ignitions that start wild land fires.
CALIFORNIA CODE
One of the strongest and most widespread existing mitigation strategies pertains to tree clearance. Currently, California State Law requires utility companies to maintain specific clearances depending on the type of voltage running through the line - between electric power lines and all vegetation.
The following California Public Resource Code Sections establish tree pruning regulations:
66 • 4293: Power Line Clearance Required 4292: Power Line Hazard Reduction • 4291: Reduction of Fire Hazards Around Buildings
• 4171: Public Nuisances
The following pertain to tree pruning regulations and are taken from the California Code of Regulations:
• Title 14: Minimum Clearance Provisions
• Sections 1250-1258
• General Industry Safety Orders
• Title 8: Group 3: Articles 12, 13, 36, 37, 38
• California Penal Code Section 385
Finally, the following California Public Utilities Commission section has additional guidance:
• California Public Utilities Commission
• General Order 95: Rule 35
66 www.cpuc.ca.gov/js.asp
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Failure to allow a utility company to comply with the law can result in liability to the homeowner for damages or injuries resulting from a vegetation hazard. Many insurance companies do not cover these types of damages if the policy owner has refused to allow the hazard to be eliminated.
The power companies, in compliance with the above regulations, collect data about tree failures and their impact on power lines. This mitigation strategy assists the power company in preventing future tree failure. From the collection of this data, the power company can advise residents as to the most appropriate vegetative planting and pruning procedures.
Proposed Windstorm Mitigation Action Items
The City of Pomona proposes the following windstorm mitigation action items as detailed in Section 11.3:
• Mitigation Action 2.8: Build and Retrofit Public Buildings and Critical Facilities • Mitigation Action 4.2: Vulnerable Building Reinforcement
11.2.6 EXISTING PANDEMIC/INFECTIOUS DISEASE MITIGATION ACTIVITIES Pandemic/infectious disease outbreaks have the potential to impact not only human lives, but the economic and governing stability of cities. The City of Pomona implemented the following policies in 2007 to protect City staff in the event of an infectious disease outbreak to ensure that City services can be maintained:
• Safety Policy Bloodborne Pathogens
• Safety Policy Respiratory Protection
• Safety Policy Tuberculosis Exposure
These policies were adopted to minimize exposure and outline procedures for reporting and seeking proper treatment following an exposure event.
Proposed Pandemic/Infectious Disease Mitigation Action Items Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, several measures were adopted in addition to the policies listed above to protect City employees, and additional measures were implemented to protect vulnerable populations, and the economic interests in the City. These mitigations are proposed for inclusion in this LHMP in the event of a future pandemic/infectious disease outbreak:
• Mitigation Action 2.7 City Employee Protection
• Mitigation Action 4.8 Business Community Protection
• Mitigation Action 5.1 Vulnerable Population Services
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11.3 MITIGATION ACTION ITEMS
LHMP IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE
Mitigation Action 1.1: Implementation Options for Hazard Mitigation Secure necessary funding for implementation of hazard mitigation actions as follows:
• Allocate City resources and assistance for hazard mitigation projects, using available City resources efficiently and with consideration of cost-effectiveness analysis; • Identify and seek grant programs and foundations that may support mitigation activities; and • Partner with other government agencies, special districts, utility providers, and organizations involved in hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness and response to pursue grants and special funding programs.
Lead Department: Development Services, Public Works, or Water Resources, depending on the project
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; apply for grants on an annual basis Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General fund, and federal, state, and regional grants Rank: Level 1
Goals and Objectives Implemented: All
READY CRITICAL FACILITIES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Mitigation Action 2.1: Integrity of Emergency Operation Center Mainta
in the system of the Emergency Operation Center (Brackett Airport in the City of Laverne, at the Pomona Police Department Hanger) with alternative back -up faci lities to be activated in
the event the central facility is impaired. Because emergency service response times will decrease if back-up locations must be activated, maximize resiliency of the Central Emergency Operations Facility.
Lead De
partments: Risk Management
Implementation Schedule: 2022 on schedule
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General Fund
Rank: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objectives
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4).
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• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.1, 5.1.3, 5.1.4).
Mitigation Action 2.2: Equip Back-up Emergency Operations Center Because the Emergency Operations Center and backup locations were previously clustered in the City center, activating the emergency response system could be impeded if the City center experienced extensive damage during a major earthquake. To ensure respon se capabilities, the City has designated and will work to equip a backup facility . The Pomona City Yard has been chosen because it is located outside of the City center, south of the I -10 freeway and outside of liquefaction zones.
Lead Department: Risk Management
Implementation Schedule: Complete in 2022
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General fund
Rank: Level 2
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objectives
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.1, 5.1. 3, 5.1.4, 5.1.5).
Mitigation Action 2.3: Reinforcement of Historic City Facilities Conduct a structural assessment of City-owned properties that are on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the list of California Historic Landmarks, or Pomona’s list of local significance, to identify buildings needing seismic safety improvements. Prioritize improvements according to 1) minimizing injury and life loss, 2) ensuring emergency services and response, 3) ensuring distribution of hazard resistant emergency facilities across the City to maximize emergency response and accessibility.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; review for available funds annually Hazards Addressed: Earthquake, Wildfire
Funding Source: General fund and grants
Rank: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objectives
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when impacted by local hazard events (Objective City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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5.1.1).
Mitigation Action 2.4: Establish " Lifeline" Circulation System North-south circulation in Pomona could be significantly diminished in the event a long freight train is stranded on the Southern Pacific Railroad due to an earthquake or other hazard event.
North-south circulation could also be impaired by significant flooding in the railroad underpasses at White, Towne, and Garey Avenues or the associated bridge collapses d ue to an earthquake.
These scenarios are of particular concern given the location of the City's only hospital north of these potential obstructions and the majority of City population to the south, and require the following actions:
• In the next update of the General Plan Safety Element and the SEMS Plan, establish "Life- line" circulation system whereby special protocols are enacted to manage traffic flows on White, Towne, and Garey Avenues to ensure adequate north-south access for emergency vehicles. Establish alternative Life -line streets in the event these streets are obstructed, including completion of bridge if the Metrolink Gold Line is extended to Montclair; • Continue prioritizing maintenance of the pumps in the underpasses;
Lead Department: Development Services, Public Works
Implementation Schedule: Maintenance of pumps ongoing ; update to Safety Element General Plan to address evacuation routes to follow the adoption of this LHMP update Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General fund and grants
Rank: Level 4
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objectives
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objective 5.1.3).
Mitigation Action 2.5: Aging Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement As an older City with the development in the City center dating back to the late 1800s - including the system of water wells and - pipelines portions of the City' s water and sewer infrastructure are in need of extensive maintenance and /or replacement. Older infrastructure is more prone to damage and service disrup tions during earthquake, with potential ramifications for public safety and firefighting capabilities. Continue to fund and prioritize water and sewer infrastructure improvements to reduce the potential for these hazard- related risks. Use the Sewer and Wat er Master Plans as the basis for the improvement schedule.
Lead Department: Water Resources
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; review for available funds annually Hazards Addressed: Earthquake, Wildfire
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Funding Source: General funds and grants
Rank: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury. and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objective
1.1.1).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objective 5.1.1).
Mitigation Action 2.6: Localized Flood Control Improvements While the City has an effective flood control system, several localized areas continue to be subject to storm -related flooding. These include underpasses at the intersections of Garey, Towne, and White Avenues and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks; East End Avenue, between Mission Boulevard and Grand Avenue; Ninth Street, between the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and East End Avenue; and cul -de-sacs bounded by SR -60, County Road, Garey Boulevard, and Reservoir Street.
Conduct a study of these localized flooding hazards and identify needed improvements.
Determine priority for implementation in part with cost -effectiveness analysis. Once the improvements are identified, consider options for requiring construction of the improvements as part of development projects if appropriate and feasible.
Lead Department: Public Works and Water Resources
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; 1 – 2 years to complete study Hazards Addressed: Flooding
Funding Source: 500k from General fund for pump and electrical improvements at Reservoir and 1st Street grade separation.
Rank: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1 : Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objective
1.1.1).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objective 5.1.1).
Mitigation Action 2.7: City Employee Protection
A pandemic or emerging infectious disease has the potential to severely disrupt City services.
During the COVID -19 pandemic, the City established protocols for safely continuing City operations during a pandemic or emerging infectious disease incident. Implement the following City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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actions:
• Provide work from home opportunities
• Ensure field staff can work alone or use PPE and social distancing measures • Provide additional equipment and stagger staff shifts
Lead Department: Public Works, Water Resources
Implementation Schedule: This mitigation was implemented during the COVID19 pandemic and can be implemented as necessary in the event of a surge or a new infectious disease outbreak.
Hazards Addressed: Pandemic/Infectious Disease
Funding Source: General fund and available grant funds
Ranking: Level 2
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses (Objectives 1.1.1, 1.1.2).
• Goal 5.1 : Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.1, 5.1.4).
Mitigation Action 2.8: Build and Retrofit Public Buildings and Critical Facilities Public buildings and critical facilities should be constructed or retrofitted to be to the highest standard that is feasible. Improve roof coverings, anchor roof -mounted equipment, and avoid placing flag poles or antennas near buildings.
Lead Department: Public Works, Neighborhood Services, Development Services Implementation Plan: Ongoing, case -by-case basis when new facilities are constructed, or deficiencies are found in older facilities
Hazards Addressed: Windstorms
Funding Source: General fund and grant funds
Ranking: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses (Objectives 1.1.1, 1.1.2).
• Goal 5.1 : Ensure continued operations when the City is impa cted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.1, 5.1.4).
COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND EDUCATION
Mitigation Action 3.1: Emergency Preparedness Campaigns City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Continue implementing customized campaigns to educate residents and businesses about appropriate emergency preparedness measures and what to do in the event of a disaster, using the following means of communication:
• Incorporation of special publications and inserts in the City's newsletter and other mailings such as utility bills;
• Traveling booths to set up in shopping centers, community centers, popular athletic fields, schools, and other activity centers;
• Information posted on website and social media;
• Media releases;
• Reports to City Council and City Commissions;
• Presentations to community organizations;
• Events such as the Police Department Open House, Child Safety Fair, and National Night Out; and
When designing and developing campaigns, give special attention to language, demographic, and cultural characteristics of the Pomona populati on to maximize effectiveness. Target vulnerable populations such as the elderly, poor, disabled, and non-English speakers.
Given the age of many Pomona homes and commercial structures, there should be frequent emphasis on insurance coverage and techniques to secure buildings to avoid seismically induced damage, including information on available assistance programs. Information should be periodically distributed about non- structural improvements to mitigate hazard risks, such as securing bookcases, filing cabinets, light fixtures, and similar objects that can cause injuries and block exits.
Lead Department: Police
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; events take place quarterly and annually Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General fund
Rank: Level 2
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 2.1: Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with local hazards (Objectives 2.1.1 - 2.1.6). • Goal 4.1: Encourage and support leadership within Pomona to promote and implement local hazard mitigation activities (Objectives 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.4).
RESILIENT HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS Mitigation Action 4.1: Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
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Continue requiring improvements to meet seismic safety standards for unreinforced masonry buildings when a change in use is proposed with tenant improvements.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; case-by-case as change of use projects are submitted to the City with tenant improvement plans.
Hazards Addressed: Earthquake
Funding Source: Development/permit fees
Rank: Level 1
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.2: Protect Pomona's unique character and values from being compromised by hazard events (Objectives 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3).
• Goal 1.3: Minimize losses to existing property and reduce potential for damage to future development (Objectives 1.3.4, 1.3.5).
Mitigation Action 4.2: Vulnerable Building Reinforcement Much of the City was developed prior to current seismic standards. Older homes and buildings may require structural intervention to avoid significant damage in the event of a major earthquake or severe windstorm. In addition, the clusters of mobile homes in the City may need reinforcements such as foundation strappings. Structural interventions are often straightforward and cost -effective, such as bolting structures to foundations. Through community education campaigns, educate property owners about areas with structures potentially n eeding reinforcement, and provide technical assistance to property owners with vulnerable buildings to implement retrofit standards.
This action will be most effective when City building inspection staff are directed to prioritize identification and reinfo rcement of vulnerable buildings, are appropriately trained to detect vulnerable buildings and make reasonable, cost -efficient recommendations, and are consulted during formulation of community education campaigns.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; case-by-case as improvement plans are submitted to the City, and educational materials provided at the Development Services Department counter.
Hazards Addressed: Earthquake, Windstorm
Funding Source: General fund
Rank: Level 2
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.3: Minimize losses to existing property and reduce potential for damage to future development (Objectives 1.3.3, 1.3.4).
• Goal 2.1: Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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public awareness of the risks associated with natural hazards (Objectives 2.1.5, 2.1.6).
Mitigation Action 4.3: Valuing Heritage
Many of Pomona's designated historic buildings, as well as homes within the designated historic districts, do not meet seismic safety codes. Pomona's historic resources contribute greatly to local environment and culture and are tremendously valued by the community. Prioritize retrofitting City-owned historic structures and avoid demolition for the purpose of public safety.
Explore opportunities for federal and state grants for structural improvements to make City - owned buildings safer in lieu of demolition.
Lead Department: Development Services
Priority: Ongoing; annually review department budget and pursue grants Hazards Addressed: Earthquake
Funding Source: General fund and grants
Ranking: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.2: Protect Pomona's unique character and values from being compromised by hazard events (Objectives 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3).
Mitigation Action 4.4: Reduce Wildfire Threat
Continue existing programs to reduce risk of property damage and injury from wildfire, including:
• Citywide prohibition of new wood and wood shake roofing materials, and requirement of fire-resistant materials for re-roofing projects.
• Requirement of tile roofs in Phillips Ranch;
• Development of fire -resistant landscape program in coordination with Ganesha Hills homeowners; and
• County Fire Department weed abatement and brush clearance program.
Further measures to reduce the risks of wildfire include:
• Exploring options for further decreasing fire hazards through requirements established by ordinance in Ganesha Hills; and
• Limiting any increases in residential densities in wildfire hazard areas through appropriate land use policy applications in the General Plan Update.
Lead Department: Development Services, Fire Department
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; review department funds and resources for development of new ordinances. Review of re -roofing projects occur on case -by-case basis as projects are City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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submitted to the City.
Hazards Addressed: Wildfire
Funding Source: General fund and grants
Ranking: Level 4
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.3: Minimize losses to existing property and reduce potential for damage to future development (Objective 1.3.1).
• Goal 3.1: Balance natural resource management, and land use planning with local hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment (Objective s 3.1.1, 3.1.2).
Mitigation Action 4.5: Expanded Code Enforcement in Overcrowded Neighborhoods In Pomona's overcrowded neighborhoods:
• Step up code enforcement efforts, with particular emphasis on remediation of illegally inhabited building spaces that increase risks of injury or life loss in the event of a major earthquake.
• Significantly increase fees for code violations pertinent to public health and safety, so that the fees serve as a deterrent; and
• Continue enforcing stiff fines imposed on homeowners and contractors implementing structural modifications without appropriate permits.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Implemented, and ongoing as r egular inspections are conducted, or complaints received
Hazards Addressed: Earthquakes
Funding Source: General fund and code violation fees
Ranking: Level 1
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities. (Objective
1.1.3).
• Goal 1.3: Minimize losses to existing property and reduce potential for damage to future development (Objective 1.3.4).
Mitigation Action 4.6: Landslide Prevention
Prioritize routine maintenance and repairs of water, sewer, and irrigation lines in and around landslide prone areas to avoid long -term leaks that saturate and de -stabilize earth materials to point of dangerous and destructive landslides.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
Lead Department: Water Resources, Community Services, Public Works Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; irrigation lines inspected on quarterly basis Hazards Addressed: Landslide
Funding Source: General fund
Ranking: Level 2
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 3.1: Balance natural resource management, and land use planning with local hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment (Objectives 3.1.1, 3.1.2).
Mitigation Action 4.7: Landslide Prevention Development Standards Revise the City Grading Ordinance and development standards for hillside properties implemented through the " H" Overlay Zone to include best management practices for landslide prevention. Review the extent of pr operty subject to the overlay to ensure that all landslide potential areas are included and also continue applying the standards to all property meeting the requirements of "Hillside Area" as defined in Development Code Section 58010.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Zoning and Development Code currently undergoing update; completion expected by 2023.
Hazards Addressed: Landslide
Funding Source: General fund and grants
Ranking: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.2: Protect Pomona's unique character and values from being compromised by hazard events (Objective 1.2.3).
• Goal 3.1: Balance natural resource management, and land use planning with local hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment (Objectives 3.1.1, 3. 1.2).
Mitigation Action 4.8: Business Community Protection
During an infectious disease outbreak, businesses can become severely impacted and may require modified operations from what would normally be permitted. Additionally, the city may need to modify normal operations to ensure development applications can continue. To protect the local economy, the following actions should be taken to ensure business operations and development can continue:
• Wave temporary use/special event permit fees,
• Work with businesses to modify operations for social distancing, • Establish protocol for electronic submission of applications, City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
• Teleconferencing should be used in place of in person meetings whenever possible. • Provide information to businesses about grants for PPE.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: This mitigation was implemented during the COVID19 pandemic and can be implemented as necessary in the event of a surge or a new infectious disease outbreak.
Hazards Addressed: Pandemic/Infectious Disease
Funding Source: General fund and available grant funds
Ranking: Level 1
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses (Objectives 1.1.1, 1.1.2).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4).
RISK REDUCTION FOR COMMUNITY VULNERABILITIES
Mitigation Action 5.1: Vulnerable Population Services
Vulnerable populations may be particularly impacted by a pandemic or infectious disease outbreak. The following mitigation can be implemented to reduce those impacts to the most vulnerable populations in the city:
• Employ eviction prevention programs,
• Provide emergency housing vouchers, rental assistance, and legal services, • Hold vaccination events in areas easily accessible by vulnerable populations, • Host zoom events for underprivileged children in the community.
Lead Department: Neighborhood Services
Implementation Schedule: This mitigation was implemented during the COVID19 pandemic and can be implemented as necessary in the event of a surge or a new infectious disease outbreak.
Hazards Addressed: Pandemic/Infectious Disease
Funding Source: General fund, and available grant funding including homeless prevention grants Ranking: Level 4
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses (Objectives 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3). • Goal 2.1: Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with local hazards (Objectives 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.5).
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
Mitigation Action 6.1: General Plan and Development Code Update In the General Plan Update and associated Zoning Code amendments, integrate the hazards and risk assessment and mitigation in the new policy framework, with special attention to avoidance of new risks from proposed development, protection of environmental resources, appropriate level of public services and facilities, and circulation system effectiveness. As indicated in Section
1.4, t he Safety Element of the General Plan will be updated to address evacuation routes following the adoption of this LHMP update. Establish development policies that encourage and support redevelopment of aging building stock, consistent with community vision and goals.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Development Code update currently underway with completion expected in 2023. Complete General Plan update in the next 4-5 years.
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: SB 2 grant and general fund
Ranking: Level 3
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses (Objective 1.1.3).
• Goal 1.2 : Protect Pomona’s unique character and values from being compromised by hazard events (Objectives 1.2.2, 1.2.3).
• Goal 1.3: Minimize losses to existing property and reduce potential for damage to future development (Objectives 1.3.1, 1.3 .4, 1.3.5,1.3.6).
• Goal 3.1: Balance natural resource management and land use planning with local hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment (Objectives 3.1.1, 3.1.2).
Mitigation Action 6.2: Development Project Review for Natural Hazards Risks When reviewing proposals for new development and infrastructure improvement projects, identify any natural hazards that have the potential to impact the property. If current building and development codes do not adequately address identified natural hazard impacts associated with a specific project, require additional mitigation to be incorporated into the project. Include this requirement in all project review procedures.
Lead Department: Development Services
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; case-by-case basis as development projects are submitted to the City.
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: User fees, permit fees, and environmental review fees Ranking: Level 1
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses (Objective 1.1.3).
• Goal 1.2 : Protect Pomona’s unique character and values from being compromised by hazard events (Objectives 1.2.2, 1.2.3).
• Goal 1.3: Minimize losses to existing property and reduce potential for damage to future development (Objectives 1.3.1, 1.3 .4, 1.3.5,1.3.6).
• Goal 3.1: Balance natural resource management and land use planning with local hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment (Objectives 3.1.1, 3.1.2).
CITY EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN (EOP) AND STANDARDIZED EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (SEMS) PLANNING AND TRAINING
Mitigation Action 7.1: Pomona SEMS Plan
Continue to implement the Pomona SEMS Plan contained within the City’s EOP, which functions as the City's manual for communications protocol in the event of a disaster. Update as needed for consistency with the State SEMS Plan involving interagency communication protocols, and this LHMP. Mobile command center system recently purchased for the Emergency Operation Center.
Lead Department: Risk Management
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; review SEMS plan annually for consistency with State SEMS Plan.
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General plan and grants
Ranking: Level 1
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential injury, and economic damage residents and businesses by Emergency preparedness for life loss, to Pomona maximizing capabilities. (Objectives
1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4).
• Goal 2.1: Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with local hazards (Objectives 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4). • Goal 4.1: Encourage and support leadership within Pomona to promote and implement local hazard mitigation activities (Objectives 4.1.1, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5). • Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.2, 5.1.3).
Mitigation Action 7.2: Emergency Preparedness Drills
Pursuant to the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), conduct emergency preparedness and response drills for mock major earthquake events, the natural hazard with the greatest potential City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
for injury, loss life, property damage, and service interruptions. Drills should test disaster response systems and communication protocols. When preparing the drills, consider the wi de range of potential risks associated with critical facilities and vulnerabilities, such as interrupted service at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, street blockages from paused trains, major power service disruption, etc. Include representatives of City officials and staff, utility providers and the railroad operators, as well as trained community emergency response volunteers and emergency response stakeholders, and representatives of vulnerable facilities.
After the drill, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the response effort and identify facility and infrastructure deficiencies contributing to response concerns. Use this information to inform priorities established in the LHMP Annual Report.
Lead Department: Risk Management
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing, on annual basis
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General plan and grants
Ranking: Level 4
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objectives
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4).
• Goal 2.1: Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with local hazards (Objectives 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4). • Goal 4.1: Encourage and support leadership within Pomona to promote and implement local hazard mitigation activities (Objectives 4.1.1, 4.1. 3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4,
5.1.6).
Mitigation Action 7.3: City Hall Life Safety Planning
Immediately following a disaster, community members will rely on City staff for assistance and direction. Part of the City's plan for maximizing emergency services must include taking care of staff's emergency needs so that they can function and serve the community. Without the ready services of City staff, the likelihood of hazard impacts to the community could increase.
Update City Hall Life Safety Preparedness Plan, conduct employee training, ensure that each department has complete first -aid kit, and hold emergency evacuation drills at City Hall on an annual basis. In addition, help staff establish reserve of personal emergency supplies, by buying kits at discounted prices and selling at- cost to staff or designating a team captain in each department to help individuals bring in appropriate kit.
Lead Department: Risk Management
Implementation Schedule: Ongoing; drills conducted annually and updates to Life Safety City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
Preparedness Plan to occur as needed
Hazards Addressed: All Hazards
Funding Source: General fund and grants
Ranking: Level 2
Goals and Objectives Implemented:
• Goal 1.1: Reduce the potential for life loss, injury, and economic damage to Pomona residents and businesses by maximizing emergency preparedness capabilities (Objectives
1.1.1, 1.1. 2).
• Goal 5.1: Ensure continued operations when the City is impacted by local hazard events (Objectives 5.1.4, 5.1.6).
11.4 PROGRESS IN LOCAL MITIGATION EFFORTS
Several Mitigation Actions included in Section 11.3 , reflect actions that are ongoing as part of regular operations conducted by the City in an effort to mitigate or reduce the impacts of local hazards on the community. Some of these Mitigation Actions have been recently completed but may include some ongoing effort or additional component to complete in entirety. Additionally, some of the Mitigation Actions have been included that were implemented during the COVID 19 pandemic, that may be implemented if a future pandemic or infectious disease outbreak occurs in the City as necessary and based on relevance in a novel situation. The following Mitigation Actions reflect efforts that are ongoing as part of regular City operations:
• Mitigation Action 1.1: Implementation Options for Hazard Mitigation • Mitigation Action 2.3: Reinforcement of Historic City Facilities • Mitigation Action 2.4: Establish " Lifeline" Circulation System (component of this action is ongoing)
• Mitigation Action 2.5: Aging Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement • Mitigation Action 2.8: Build and Retrofit Public Buildings and Critical Facilities • Mitigation Action 3.1: Emergency Preparedness Campaigns • Mitigation Action 4.1: Unreinforced Masonry Buildings • Mitigation Action 4.2: Vulnerable Building Reinforcement • Mitigation Action 4.3: Valuing Heritage
• Mitigation Action 4.4: Reduce Wildfire Threat
• Mitigation Action 4.5: Expanded Code Enforcement in Overcrowded Neighborhoods • Mitigation Action 4.6: Landslide Prevention
• Mitigation Action 6.2: Development Project Review for Natural Hazards Risks • Mitigation Action 7.1: Pomona SEMS Plan
• Mitigation Action 7.2: Emergency Preparedness Drills
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 11: Mitigation Action Plan
• Mitigation Action 7.3: City Hall Life Safety Planning
The following Mitigation Action was completed during the preparation of this LHMP update:
• Mitigation Action 2.1: Integrity of Emergency Operation Center
The following Mitigation Actions were implemented during the COVID 19 pandemic and can be reinstated as necessary or relevant:
• Mitigation Action 2.7: City Employee Protection
• Mitigation Action 4.8: Business Community Protection
• Mitigation Action 5.1: Vulnerable Population Services City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Appendix A:
Public Participation Survey Materials
& TAC Meeting Agendas
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
PUBLIC SURVEY FLYER – ENGLISH AND SPANISH
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
PUBLIC SURVEY SOCIAL MEDIA POST
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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1. Your Zip Code Answers varied and C
ommunity Name or Location Answers varied
2. Do you: ☐ Live or ☐ Work in Pomona?
3. If you live in Pomona, do you: ☐ Own or ☐ Rent?
2021 Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update Survey
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
4. If you live in Pomona, how many years? Answers varied from 1 to 50 years.
5. If you have lived in Pomona for 5 years or more, have you or someone in your household directly experienced a natural disaster such as an earthquake, severe windstorm, flood, wildfire, or other type of natural disaster while in Pomona?
☐ Yes ☐ No (IF NO, skip to question 7)
6. If “YES”, which of these natural disasters have you or someone in your household experienced in the past five years? (Please check all that apply)
☐ Earthquake
☐ Floods, Dam Failure and Inundation Hazards
☐ Wildfire Hazards/Brush Fire
☐ Climate Change
☐ Severe Windstorm
☐ Landslide
☐ Pandemic
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
7. How do you get information? (Please check up to three)
☐ Newspaper stories/ads ☐ Mail/Utility Bill
☐ Television news/ads ☐ Fire Department
☐ Radio News/ads ☐ Fact sheet/Brochure
Internet: ☐ Library
☐ Email newsletters ☐ Public workshops/Meetings ☐ Online news outlets ☐ SMS text message
☐ City web site ☐ College/University/Schools
☐ Social media (e.g. Facebook, ☐ Outdoor advertisements (billboards) Twitter, Instagram, etc.) ☐ Other: ___________________
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
8. How concerned are you about the following hazards?
Natural Disaster Very
Concerned
Somewhat
Concerned
Neutral Not Very
Concerned
Not
Concerned
Climate Change ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Severe Windstorm ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Flood, Dam Failure and
Inundation Hazards
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Wildfire Hazards/Brush
Fire
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Landslides ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Pandemic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Earthquake ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
9. Planning ahead for responding to disasters can help lessen their impact. To help the City prioritize its disaster preparedness efforts, please tell us how important each of the following goals is to you.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Goal Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Neutral Not Very
Important
Not
Important
Protecting private property ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting critical facilities
(hospitals, fire stations, etc.)
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Preventing development in
hazard areas
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting the natural
environment
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting historical/cultural
landmarks, museums, etc.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Promoting cooperation
among public and private
organizations and citizens
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting and reducing
damage to utilities
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Strengthening emergency
services (police, fire,
ambulance)
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting major employers ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting small businesses ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting K-12 schools ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Protecting
Colleges/Universities
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
10. Community assets are features, characteristics, or resources that either make a community unique or allow the community to function. Please rank the importance of protecting the following community assets:
Community Assets: Potential
Disaster Impact
Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Neutral Not Very
Important
Not
Important
Human: Loss of life and/or
injuries
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Economic: Business closures
and/or job losses
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Infrastructure: Damage or loss of
bridges, utilities, schools, etc.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Cultural Historic: Damage or loss
of libraries, museums,
fairgrounds, etc.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Environmental: Damage or loss
of forests, rangeland, waterways,
etc.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Governance: Ability to maintain
order and/or provide public
amenities and services
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
11. Have you taken any of the following steps to prepare for your household for potential disasters? Check all that apply.
☐ Purchased homeowners/renters insurance
☐ Purchased flood insurance
☐ Attended meetings or received written
information on natural disasters or
emergency preparedness
☐ Floodproofing (elevating furnace, water
heaters, electric panels
☐ Talked with family members about what to
do in case of a disaster or emergency
☐ Installed retrofits such as high impact
windows or doors to withstand high winds;
fire resistant siding roofing or window
☐ Developed a “Household/Family
Emergency Plan” in order to decide what
everyone would do in the event of a disaster
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
screens, etc.
☐ Installed/maintained firebreaks around the
home
☐ Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit” (extra
food, water, batteries, medications, first aid,
etc.)
12. How would you rank the following strategies to address pre- and post-disaster damage? Strategy Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Neutral Not Very
Important
Not
Important
Retrofit and strengthen
essential facilities such as
police, fire, emergency medical
services, hospitals, schools,
etc.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Replace inadequate or
vulnerable bridges and
causeways
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Install or improve protective
structures, such as floodwalls
or levees
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Government buys flood-prone
properties and returns them to
a natural condition
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Assist property owners with
securing funding to mitigate
impacts to their property
caused by disasters
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Work on improving the damage
resistance of utilities
(electricity, communications,
water/wastewater facilities, etc.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
13. Please feel free to provide any additional comments:
Strengthen City codes,
ordinances, and plans to
require high risk management
standards
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Provide better information
about hazard risk and high-
hazard areas
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Inform property owners of ways
they can prevent damage to
their properties
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Interwest Consulting Group
Contact: Chantal Power, AICP
Phone: 909-754-1653
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Advisory Committee Interview Agenda—Neighborhood Services January 27, 2022
1. Discuss outstanding questions:
A. List of transitional housing and senior care facilities B. Information about Housing Division rental and mortgage assistance, housing and rehab and façade improvement programs
C. List of community centers and City Parks
D. YMCA
2. Discuss mitigation actions from previous Hazard Mitigation Plan A. Landslide prevention (5.6) - Community Services?
B. Stabilizing Ganesha Park slopes (5.8) - Community Services? C. Vulnerable population services (6.2) - New; this was added to the pandemic section of the update
3. Discuss any new mitigation actions that should be included in update, considering the following:
A. Projects already planned for—studies, funding, commencement, completion in the next 5 years (implementation schedule)
C. Funding
D. Hazard(s) addressed
E. Goals and objectives addressed
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Interwest Consulting Group
Contact: Chantal Power, AICP
Phone: 909-754-1653
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Advisory Committee Interview Agenda—Water Resources February 3, 2022
1. Discuss outstanding questions:
A. Retrofits since last HMP update
B. Mitigations implemented following 2003 report regarding structural stability of city reservoirs
C. City ground water wells
D. City reservoirs, and retrofits
2. Discuss mitigation actions from previous Hazard Mitigation Plan A. Implementation options for hazard mitigation (1.2)
B. Water reservoir seismic retrofit completion (2.5)
C. Aging water and sewer infrastructure replacement (2.6) D. City employee protection (2.9) - New; added for new pandemic section E. Landslide prevention (5.6)
3. Discuss any new mitigation actions that should be included in update, considering the following:
A. Projects already planned for studies, funding, commencement, completion in the next 5 years (implementation schedule)
C. Funding
D. Hazard(s) addressed
E. Goals and objectives addressed
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Interwest Consulting Group
Contact: Chantal Power, AICP
Phone: 909-754-1653
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Advisory Committee Interview Agenda—Public Works February 3, 2022
1. Discuss outstanding questions:
A. Retrofits since last HMP update
B. Mitigations implemented following 2003 Ganesha Park landslide report C. Wastewater diverted to JWPCP in Carson
D. Areas of flood concern
2. Discuss mitigation actions from previous Hazard Mitigation Plan A. Implementation options for hazard mitigation (1.2)
B. Establish “Lifeline” circulation system (2.4)
C. Localized flood control improvements (2.7)
D. City employee protection (2.9) - New; added for new pandemic section E. Landslide prevention (5.6)
3. Discuss any new mitigation actions that should be included in update, considering the following:
A. Completion of Goldline
B. Public Works/CIP projects already planned for studies, funding, commencement, completion in the next 5 years (implementation schedule)
C. Funding
D. Hazard(s) addressed
E. Goals and objectives addressed
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Interwest Consulting Group
Contact: Chantal Power, AICP
Phone: 909-754-1653
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Advisory Committee Interview Agenda—Water Resources February 7, 2022
1. Discuss outstanding questions:
A. Copy of SEMS Plan
2. Discuss mitigation actions from previous Hazard Mitigation Plan A. Mitigation Actions under outside agency authority (2.8 & 4.2) 1) Back-up medical services (2.8)
2) Community emergency volunteers
B. Coordinator and LHMP committee (1.1)
C. Integrity of emergency operation center system (2.1) D. Back-up emergency operations center (2.2)
E. Hazard mitigation partners (4.3)
F. Pomona SEMS Plan (8.1)
G. Emergency preparedness drills (8.2)
H. Decentralized emergency supplies and equipment (8.3) I. City Hall life safety planning (8.4)
3. Discuss any new mitigation actions that should be included in update, considering the following:
A. Projects already planned for studies, funding, commencement, completion in the next 5 years (implementation schedule)
C. Funding
D. Hazard(s) addressed
E. Goals and objectives addressed
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Interwest Consulting Group
Contact: Chantal Power, AICP
Phone: 909-754-1653
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Advisory Committee Interview Agenda—Development Services February 14, 2022
1. Discuss outstanding questions:
A. URM buildings in the City
B. URM City owned facilities
C. List of Historic Resources
D. Housing Element—overcrowded neighborhoods and soft-story multi-family housing E. Safety Element update pursuant to SB 99 and AB 747
F. Housing vs population growth number, percent of housing types, and vacancy rates G. Properties on National Register of Historic Places, Historic Landmarks, Pomona’s Landmark Register
H. Percent of City located in liquefaction zones
I. Construction date of facilities used during emergencies
2. Discuss mitigation actions from previous Hazard Mitigation Plan A. Implementation options for hazard mitigation (1.2)
B. Reinforcement of other City facilities (2.3)
C. Establish “Lifeline” circulation system (2.4)
D. Unreinforced masonry buildings (5.1)
E. Vulnerable buildings reinforced (5.2)
F. Valuing heritage (5.3)
G. Reduce wildfire threat (5.4)
H. Expanded Code Enforcement in overcrowded neighborhoods (5.5) I. Landslide prevention development standards (5.7)
J. Business community protection (5.9); New, added for pandemic hazards K. General Plan and Development Code update (7.1)
L. Development project review for natural hazards risks (7.2)
3. Discuss any new mitigation actions that should be included in update.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A: Public Participation Survey Materials and TAC Meeting Agendas
Interwest Consulting Group
Contact: Chantal Power, AICP
Phone: 909-754-1653
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Advisory Committee Interview Agenda—Police Department March 7, 2022
1. Discuss mitigation actions from previous Hazard Mitigation Plan A. Early Warning Systems and Local Consideration (3.1)
B. Emergency Preparedness Campaigns (4.1)
C. Accelerated Emergency Response for Vulnerable Populations (6.1)
2. Discuss any new mitigation actions that should be included in update.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix B: HAZUS Report
Appendix B:
HAZUS Report
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix B: HAZUS Report
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Appendix C: Resources Directory & Pomona Organizational Charts
Appendix C:
Resource Directory &
Pomona Organizational Charts
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Appendix C: Resource Directory & Pomona Organizational Charts
APPENDIX C: RESOURCE DIRECTORY
The Resource Directory, provided by the Disaster Management Area D Coordinator, provides contact information for local, regional, state, and federal programs that are currently involved in hazard mitigation activities. The Hazard Mitigation Action Committee may refer to the organizations on the following pages for resources and technical assistance. The Resource Directory provides a foundation for potential partners in action item implementation.
American Public Works Association
Level: National
Hazard: Multi
http://www.apwa.net
2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 500, Kansas City, MO 64108-2641 Ph: 816.472.1610
Notes: The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.
Association of State Floodplain Manager
Level: Federal
Hazard: Flood
www.floods.org
2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison WI 53713
Ph: 608.274.0123
Notes: The Association of State Floodplain Managers is an organization of professionals involved in floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, the National Flood Insurance Program, and flood preparedness, warning and recovery
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Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC)
Level: National
Hazard: Earthquake
www.bssconline.org
1090 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 700, Washington DC, 20005 Ph: 202.289.7800
Notes: The Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) develops and promotes building earthquak e risk mitigation regulatory provisions for the nation.
California Department of Transportation (Cal-Trans )
Level: State
Hazard: Multi
http://www.dot.ca.gov/
120 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Ph: 213.897.3656
Notes: CalTrans is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the California State Highway System, as well as that portion of the Interstate Highway System within the state's boundaries. Alone and in partnership with Amtrak, Caltrans is also invo lved in the support of intercity passenger rail service in California.
California Resources Agency
Level: State
Hazard: Multi
http://resources.ca.gov/
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1331, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916.653.5656
Notes: The California Resources Agency restores, protects and manages the state's natural, historical and cultural resources for current and future generations using solutions based on science, collaboration and respect for all the communities and interests involved.
California Division of Forestry (CDF)
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Level: State
Hazard: Multi
http://www.fire.ca.gov/php/index.php
210 W. San Jacinto, Perris, CA 92570
Ph: 909.940.6900
Notes: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection protects over 31 million acres of California's privately-owned wildlands. CDF emphasizes the management and protection of California's natural resources.
California Division of Mines and Geology (DMG)
Level: State
Hazard: Multi
www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/index.htm
801 K Street, MS 12-30, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916.445.1825
Note
s: The California Geological Survey devel -ops an
d disseminates technical information and
advice on California's geology, geologic hazards, and mineral resources.
California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERE S) Level: State
Hazard: Multi
http://ceres.ca.gov/
900 N. Street, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916.653.2238
Notes: CERES is an excellent website for access to environmental information and websites.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Level: State
Hazard: Flood
http://www.dwr.water.ca.gov
1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
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Ph: 916.653.6192
Notes: The Department of Water Resources manages the water resources of California in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the State's people, and to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
California Department of Conservation: Southern California Regional Office Level: State
Hazard: Multi
www.consrv.ca.gov
655 S. Hope Street, #700, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2321
Ph: 213.239.0878
Notes: The Department of Conservation provides services and information that promote environmental health, economic vitality, informed land-use decisions and sound management of our state's natural resources.
EPA, Region 9
Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
http://epa.gov/region09
75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Ph: 415.947.8000
Notes: The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment through the themes of air and global climate change, water, land, communities and ecosystems, and compliance and environmental stewardship.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
www.fema.gov
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94607
Ph: 510.627.7100
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Notes: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disasters.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mitigation Division Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
www.fema.gov/fima/planhowto.shtm
500 C. Street, SQ, Washington, DC 20472
Ph: 202.566.1600
Notes: The Mitigation Division manages the National Flood Insurance Program and oversees FEMA's mitigation programs. It has of a number of programs and activities of which provide citizens Protection, with flood insurance, Prevention, with mitigation measures and Partnerships, with communities throughout the country.
Floodplain Management Association
Level: Federal
Hazard: Flood
www.floodplain.org
P.O. Box 50891, Sparks, NV 89435-0891
Ph: 775.626.6389
Notes: The Floodplain Management Association is a nonprofit educational association. It was established in 1990 to promote the reduction of flood losses and to encourage the protection and enhancement of natural floodplain values. Members include representatives of federal, state and local government agencies as well as private firms.
Gateway Cities Partnership
Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
www.gatewaycities.org
7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, CA 90723
Ph: 562.817.0820
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Notes: Gateway Cities Partnership is a 50 1-C3 non-profit Community Development Corporation for the Gateway Cities region of southeast LA County. The region comprises 27 cities that roughly speaking extends from Montebello on the north to Long Beach on the South, the Alameda Corridor on the west to the Orange County line on the east.
Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES)
Level: State
Hazard: Multi
www .oes.ca.gov
P.O. Box 419047, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9047
Ph: 916.845.8911
Notes: The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for assuring the state’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
Level: State
Hazard: Multi
https://www.opr.ca.gov/about/contact-us.html
1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916.322.2318
Notes: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research studies future research and planning needs, fosters goal -driven collaboration, and delivers guidance to state partners and lo cal communities, with a focus on land use and community development, climate risk and resilience, and high road economic development.
Landslide Hazards Program, USGS
Level: Federal
Hazard: Landslide
http:// lands I ides.usgs.gov/index.htmI
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12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192
Ph: 703.648.4000
Notes: The NLIC website provides good information on the rograms and resources regarding landslides. The page includes information on the National Landslide Hazards Program Information Center, a bibliography, publications, and current projects. USGS scientists are working to reduce long -term losses and casualties from landslide hazards through better understanding of the causes and mechanisms of ground failure both nationally and worldwide.
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
www.laedc.org
444 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Ph: 213.236.4813
Notes
: The LAEDC is a private, non- profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1981 with the mission to attract, retain and grow businesses and jobs in the Los Angeles region. The LAEDC is widely relied upon for its Southern California Economic Forecasts and Industry Trend Reports.
Lead by the renowned Jack Kyser (Sr. Vice President, Chief Economist) his team of re -search ers
produces numerous publications to help business, media and government navigate the LA region's diverse economy.
Los Angeles County Public Works Department
Level: County
Hazard: Multi
http://ladpw.org
900 S. Fremont Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803
Ph: 626.458.5100
Notes: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works protects property and promotes public safety through Flood Control, Water Conservation, Road Maintenance, Bridges, Buses and Bicycle Trails, Building and Safety, Land Development, Waterworks, Sewers, Engineering, Capital Projects and Airports.
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National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Program
Level: Federal
Hazard: Wildfire
www.firewise.org/
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471
Ph: 617.770.3000
Notes: Firewise maintains a Website designed for people who live in wildfire -prone areas, but it also can be of use to local planners and decision makers. The site offers online wildfire protection information and checklists, as well as listings of other publications, videos, and conferences.
National Resources Conservation Service
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
14th a
nd Independ-ence
Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250
Ph: 202.7
20.7246
Notes: NRCS assists owners of America's private land with conserving their soil, water, and other natural resources, by delivering technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. Cost shares and financial incentives are available in some cases.
National lnteragency Fire Center
(NIFC)
Level: Federal
Hazard: Wildfire
www.nifc.gov
3833 S. Development Ave., Boise, Idaho 83705-5354
Ph: 208.387.5512
Notes: The NIFC in Boise, Idaho is the nation's support center for wildland firefighting. Seven federal agencies work together to coordinate and support wildland fire and disaster operations.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Level: National
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Hazard: Wildfire
http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/home/index.asp
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02 I 69-7471
Ph: 617.770.3000
Notes
: The mission of the international non -profit N
FPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of
fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.
National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP)
Level: Federal
Hazard: Flood
www.fema.gov/nfip/
500 C Street, S. W., Washington, O.C. 20472
Ph: 202.566.1600
Notes: The Mitigation Division manages the National Flood Insurance Program and oversees FEMA's mitigation programs. It has of a number of programs and activities of which provide citizens Protection, with flood insurance, Prevention, with mitigation measures and Partnerships, with communities throughout the country.
National Oceanic /Atmospheric Administration
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
www.noaa.gov
14th Street & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20230 Ph: 202.482.6090
Notes: NOAA's historical role has been to predict environmental changes, protect life and property, provide decision makers with reliable scientific information, and foster global environmental stewardship.
National Weather Service, Office of Hydrologic Development Level: Federal
Hazard: Flood
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
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1325 East West Highway, SSMC2, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Ph: 301.713.1658
Notes: The Office of Hydrologic Development (OHO) enhances National Weather Service products by infusing new hydrologic science, developing hydrologic techniques for operational use, managing hydrologic development by NWS field office, providing advanced hydrologic products to meet needs identified by NWS customers.
National Weather Service
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
520 North Elevar Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Ph: 805.988.6615
Notes: The National Weather Service is resp onsible for providing weather service to the nation.
It is charged with the responsibility of observing and reporting the weather and with issuing forecasts and warnings of weather and floods in the interest of national safety and economy.
Briefly, the priorities for service to the nation are: 1. protection of life, 2. protection of property, and 3. promotion of the nation's welfare and economy.
San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
www.valleynet.org
4900 Rivergrade Road, Irwindale, CA 91706
Ph: 626.856.3400
Notes: The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership is a non-profit corporation representing both public and private sectors. The Partnership is the exclusive source for San Gabriel Valley specific information, expertise, consulting, products, services, and events. It is the single organization in the Valley with the mission to sustain and build the regional economy for the mutual benefit of all thirty cities, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, businesses, and residents.
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Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Level: County
Hazard: Flood
http://www.lacsd.ora/
1955 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90607
Ph: 562.699.7411 x 2301
Notes: The South Bay Economic Development Partnership is a collaboration of business, labor, education and government. Its primary goal is to plan and implement an economic development and marketing strategy designed to retain and create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the South Bay of Los Angeles County.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
www.aqmd.gov
21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Ph: 800.CUT.SMOG
Notes: AQMD is a regional government agency that seeks to achieve and maintain healthful air quality thro ugh a comprehensive program of research, regulations, enforcement, and communication. The AQMD covers Los Angeles and Orange Counties and parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)
Level: Regional
Hazard: Earthquake
www.scec.org
3651 Trousdale Parkway, Suite 169, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0742 Ph: 213.740.5843
Notes: The Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) gathers new information about earthquakes in Southern California, integrates this information into a comprehensive and predictive understanding of earthquake phenomena, and communicates this understanding to end-users and the general public in order to increase earthquake awareness, reduce economic losses, and save lives.
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Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
www.scag.ca.gov
818 W. Seventh Street, 12th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Ph: 213.236.1800
Notes: The Southern California Association of Governments functions as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for six counties: Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and Imperial. As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Association of Governments is mandated by the federal government to research and draw up plans for transportation, growth management, hazardous waste management, and air quality.
State Fire Marshal (SFM)
Level: State
Hazard: Wildfire
http://osfm.fire.ca.gov
1131 "S" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916.445.8200
Notes: The Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) supports the mission of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) by focusing on fire prevention. SFM regulates buildings in which people live, controls substances which may, cause injuries, death and destruction by fire; provides statewide direction for fire prevention within wildland areas; regulates hazardous liquid pipelines; reviews regulations and building standards; and trains and educates in fire protection methods and responsibilities.
The Community Rating System (CRS)
Level: Federal
Hazard: Flood
http://www.fema.gov/nfip/crs.shtm
500 C Street, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20472
Ph: 202.566.1600
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Notes: The Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes community floodplain management efforts that go beyond the minimum requirements of the NFlP. Property owners within the County would receive reduced NFIP flood insurance premiums if the County implements floodplain management practices that qualify it for a CRS rating. For further information on the CRS, visit FEMA's website.
United States Geological Survey
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
http://www.usgs.gov/
345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Ph: 650.853.8300
Notes: The USGS provides reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
http://www.usaace.army.mil
P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles CA 90053- 2325
Ph: 213.452.3921
Notes: The United States Army Corps of Engineers work in engineering and environmental matters. A workforce of biologists, engineers, geologists, hydrologists, natural resource managers and other professionals provide engineering services to the nation including planning, designing, building and operating water resources and other civil works projects.
USDA Forest Service
Level: Federal
Hazard: Wildfire
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http://www.fs.fed.us
1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0002
Ph: 202.205.8333
Notes: The Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands.
USGS Water Resources
Level: Federal
Hazard: Multi
www.water.usgs.gov
6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6129
Ph: 916.278.3000
Notes: The USGS Water Resources mission is to provide water information that benefits the Nation's citizens: publications, data, maps, and applications software.
Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC)
Level: Regional
Hazard: Earthquake
www.wsspc.org/home.html
125 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Ph: 650.330.1101
Notes: WSSPC is a regional earthquake consortium funded mainly by FEMA. Its website is a great resource, with information clearly categorized - from policy to engineering to education.
Westside Economic Collaborative C/O Pacific Western Bank Level: Regional
Hazard: Multi
http://www.westside-la.or
120 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Ph: 310.458.1521
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Notes: The Westside Economic Development Collaborative is the first Westside regional economic development corporation. The Westside EDC functions as an information gatherer and resource center, as well as a forum, through bringing business, governmen t, and residents together to address issues affecting the region: Economic Diversity, Transportation, Housing, Workforce Training and Retraining, Lifelong Learning, Tourism, and Embracing Diversity.
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Appendix D: Economic Guidelines for Natural Hazard Mitigation Projects
Appendix D:
Economic Analysis Guidelines for Natural
Hazard Mitigation Projects
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Appendix D: Economic Analysis Guidelines for Natural Hazard Mitigation Projects
APPENDIX D: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS GUIDELINES FOR NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PROJECTS Benefit/cost analysis is a key mechanism used by the state Office of Emergency Services (OES), the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other state and federal agencies in evaluating hazard mitigation projects and is required by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 93-288, as amended.
This appendix outlines several approaches for conducting economic analysis of natural hazard mitigation projects. It describes the importance of implementing mitigation activities, different approaches to economic analysis of mitigation strategies, and methods to calculate costs and benefits associated with mitigation strategies. Information in this section is derived in part from: The Interagency Hazards Mitigation Team, State Hazard Mitigation Plan, (Oregon State Police - Office of Emergency Management, 2000), and Federal Emergency Management Agency Publication 331, Report on Costs and Benefits of Natural Hazard Mitigation.
This section is not intended to provide a comprehensive description of benefit/cost analysis, nor is it intended to provide the details of economic analysis methods that can be used to evaluate local projects.
It is intended to (I) raise benefit/cost analysis as an important issue, and (2) provide some background on how economic analysis can be used to evaluate mitigation projects.
PURPOSE
Mitigation activities reduce the cost of disasters by minimizing property damage, injuries, and the potential for loss of life, and by reducing emergency response costs, which would otherwise be incurred.
Evaluating natural hazard mitigation provides decision makers with an understanding of the potential benefits and costs of an activity, as well as a basis upon which to compare alternative projects. Evaluating mitigation projects is a complex and difficult undertaking, which is influenced by many variables. First, natural disasters affect all segments of the communities they strike, including individuals, businesses, and public services such as fire, police, utilities, and schools.
Second, while some of the direct and indirect costs of disaster damages are measurable, some of the costs are non-financial and difficult to quantify in dollars. Third, many of the impacts of such events produce "ripple-effects" throughout the co mmunity, greatly increasing the disaster's social and economic consequences.
While not easily accomplished, there is value, from a public policy perspective, in assessing the positive and negative impacts from mitigation activities and obtaining an instructive benefit/cost comparison.
Otherwise, the decision to pursue or not pursue various mitigation options would not be based on an objective understanding of the net benefit or loss associated with these actions.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS APPROACHES FOR MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The approaches used to identify the costs and benefits associated with natural hazard mitigation strategies, measures, or projects fall into two general categories: benefit/cost analysis and cost - effectiveness analysis. The distinction between the two methods is the way in which the relative costs and benefits are measured. Additionally, there are varying approaches to assessing the value of mitigation for public sector and private sector activities.
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Appendix D: Economic Analysis Guidelines for Natural Hazard Mitigation Projects
Benefit/Cost Analysis
Benefit/cost analysis is used in natural hazards mitigation to show if the benefits to life and property protected through mitigation efforts exceed the cost of the mitigation activity. Conducting benefit/cost analysis for a mitigation activity can assist communities in determining whether a project is worth undertaking now, in order to avoid disaster related damages later. Benefit/cost analysis is based on calculating the frequency and severity of a hazard, avoided future damages, and risk.
In benefit/cost analysis, all costs and benefits are evaluated in terms of dollars, and a net benefit/cost ratio is computed to determine whether a project should be implemented (i.e., if net benefits exceed net costs, the project is worth pursuing). A project must have a benefit/cost ratio greater than 1 in order to be funded.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Cost-effectiveness analysis evaluates how best to spend a given amount of money to achieve a specific goal. This type of analysis, however, does not necessarily measure costs and benefits in terms of dollars.
Determining the economic feasibility of mitigating natural hazards can also be organized according to the perspective of those with an economic interest in the outcome. Hence, economic analysis approaches are covered for both public and private sectors as follows.
Investing in public sector mitigation activities
Evaluating mitigation strategies in the public sector is complicated because it involves estimating all of the economic benefits and costs regardless of who realizes them, and potentially to a large number of people and economic entities. Some benefits cannot be evaluated monetarily, but still affect the public in profound ways. Economists have developed methods to evaluate the economic feasibility of public decisions that involve a diverse set of beneficiaries and non-market benefits.
Investing in private sector mitigation activities
Private sector mitigation projects may occur on the basis of one of two approaches: it may be mandated by a regulation or standard, or it may be economically justified on its own merits. A building or landowner, whether a private entity or a public agency, required to conform to a mandated standard may consider the following options:
• Request cost sharing from public agencies;
• Dispose of the building or land either by sale or demolition; • Change the designated use of the building or land and change the hazard mitigation compliance requirement; or
• Evaluate the most feasible alternatives and initiate the most cost -effective hazard mitigation alternative.
The sale of a building or land triggers another set of concerns. For example, real estate disclosure laws can be developed which require sellers of real property to disclose known defects and deficiencies in the property, including earthquake weaknesses and hazards to prospective purchasers. Correcting deficiencies can be expensive and time consuming, but their existence can prevent the sale of the building. Conditions of a sale regarding the deficiencies and the price of the building can be negotiated between a buyer and seller.
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CONDUCTING AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Benefit/cost analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis are important tools in evaluating whether or not to implement a mitigation activity. A framework for evaluating alternat ive mitigation activities is outlined below:
1. Identify the Alternatives. Alternatives for reducing risk from natural hazards can include structural projects to enhance disaster resistance, education and outreach, and acquisition or demolition of exposed properties, among others. Different mitigation project can assist in minimizing risk to natural hazards but do so at varying economic costs.
2. Calculate the Costs and Benefits. Choosing economic criteria is essential to systematically calculating costs and benefits of mitigation projects and selecting the most appropriate alternative. Potential economic criteria to evaluate alternatives include:
• Determine the project cost. This may include initial project development costs, and repair and operating costs of maintaining projects over time.
• Estimate the benefits . Projecting the benefits, or cash flow resulting from a project can be difficult. Expected future returns from the mitigation effort depend on the correct specification of the risk and the effectiveness of the project, which may not be well known.
Expected future costs depend on the physical durability and potential economic obsolescence of the investment. This is difficult to project. These considerations will also provide guidance in selecting an appropriate salvage value. Future tax structures and rates must be projected.
Financing alternatives must be researched, and they may include retained earnings, bond and stock issues, and commercial loans.
• Consider costs and benefits to society and the enviro nment. These are not easily measured but can be assessed through a variety of economic tools including existence value or contingent value theories. These theories provide quantitative data on the value people attribute to physical or social environments. Even without hard data, however, impacts of structural projects to the physical environment or to society should be considered when implementing mitigation projects.
• Determine the correct discount rate. Determination of the discount rate can just be the r isk- free cost of capital, but it may include the decision maker's time preference and also a risk premium. Including inflation should also be considered.
3. Analyze and Rank the Alternatives. Once costs and benefits have been quantified, economic analysis tools can rank the alternatives. Two methods for determining the best alternative given varying costs and benefits include net present value and internal rate of return.
• Net present value . Net present value is the value of the expected future returns of an investment minus the value of expected future cost expressed in today's dollars. If the net present value is greater than the project costs, the project may be determined feasible for implementation. Selecting the discount rate and identifying the present and future costs and benefits of the project calculates the net present value of projects. • Internal Rate of Return. Using the internal rate of return method to evaluate mitigation City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix D: Economic Analysis Guidelines for Natural Hazard Mitigation Projects
projects provides the interest rate equivalent to the dollar returns expected from the project.
Once the rate has been calculated, it can be compared to rates earned by investing in alternative projects. Projects may be feasible to implement when the internal rate of return is greater than the total costs of the project.
Once the mitigation projects are ranked on the basis of economic criteria, decision-makers can consider other factors, such as risk; project effectiveness; and economic, environmental, and social returns in choosing the appropriate project for implementation.
ECONOMIC RETURNS OF NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION
The estimation of economic returns, which accrue to building or landowner as a result of natural hazard mitigation, is difficult. Owners evaluating the economic feasibility of mitigation should consider reductions in physical damages and financial losses. A partial list follows:
• Building damages avoided
• Content damages avoided
• Inventory damages avoided
• Rental income losses avoided
• Relocation and disruption expenses avoided
• Proprietor's income losses avoided
These parameters can be estimated using observed prices, costs, and engineering data. The difficult part is to correctly determine the effectiveness of the hazard mitigation project and the resulting reduction in damages and losses. Equally as difficult is assessing the probability that an event will occur. The damages and losses should only include those that will be borne by the owner. The salvage value of the investment can be important in determining economic feasibility. Salvage value becomes more important as the time horizon of the owner declines. This is important because most businesses depreciate assets over a period of time.
ADDITIONAL COSTS FROM NATURAL HAZARDS
Property owners should also assess changes in a broader set of factors that can change as a result of a large natural disaster. These are usually termed "indirect" effects, but they can have a very direct effect on the economic value of the owner's building or land. They can be positive or negative, and include changes in the following:
• Commodity and resource prices
• Availability of resource supplies
• Commodity and resource demand changes Building and land values • Capital availability and interest rates
• Availability of labor
• Economic structure
• Infrastructure
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix D: Economic Analysis Guidelines for Natural Hazard Mitigation Projects
• Regional exports and imports
• Local, state, and national regulations and policies
• Insurance availability and rates
Changes in the resources and industries listed above are more difficult to estimate and require models that are structured to estimate total economic impacts. Total economic impacts are the sum of direct and indirect economic impacts. Total economic impact models are usually not combined with economic feasibility models. Many models exist to estimate total economic impacts of changes in an economy.
Decision makers should understand the total economic impacts of natural disasters in order to calculate the benefits of a mitigation activity. This suggests that understanding the local economy is an important first step in being able to understand the potential impacts of a disaster, and the benefits of mitigation activities.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Conducting an economic analysis for potential mitigation activities can assist decision-makers in choosing the most appropriate strategy for their community to reduce risk and prevent loss from natural hazards.
Economic analysis can also save time and resources from being spent on inappropriate or unfeasible projects. Several resources and models are listed on the following page that can assist in conducting an economic analysis for natural hazard mitigation activities.
Benefit/cost analysis is complicated, and the numbers may divert attention from other important issues.
It is important to c onsider the qualitative factors of a project associated with mitigation that cannot be evaluated economically. There are alternative approaches to implementing mitigation projects. Many communities are looking towards developing multi-objective projects. With this in mind, opportunity rises to develop strategies that integrate natural hazard m itigation with projects related to watersheds, environmental planning, community economic development, and small business development, among others. Incorporating natural hazard mitigation with other community projects can increase the viability of project implementation.
RESOURCES
The following resources for economic analysis have been provided by the Disaster Management Area D Coordinator.
CUREe Kajima Project, Methodologies For Evaluating The Socio-Economic Consequences Of Large Earthquakes, Task 7.2 Economic Impact Analysis, Prepared by University of California, Berkeley Team, Robert A. Olson, VSP Associates, Team Leader; John M. Eidinger, G&E Engineering Systems; Kenneth A. Goettel, Goettel and Associates lnc.; and Gerald L. Horner, Hazard Mitigation Economics Inc., 1997.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Benefit/Cost Analysis of Hazard Mitigation Projects, Riverine Flood, Version 1.05, Hazard Mitigation Economics Inc., 1996.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Report on Costs and Benefits of Natural Hazard Mitigation.
Publication 331, 1996.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix D: Economic Analysis Guidelines for Natural Hazard Mitigation Projects
Goettel & Horner Inc., Earthquake Risk Analysis Volume Ill: The Economic Feasibility of Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings in The City of Portland, Submitted to the Bureau of Buildings, City of Portland, August 30, 1995.
Goettel & Horner Inc., Benefit/Cost Analysis of Hazard Mitigation Projects Volume V, Earthquakes, Prepared for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Branch, October 25, 1995.
Horner, Gerald, Benefit/Cost Methodologies for Use in Evaluating the Cost Effectiveness of Proposed Hazard Mitigation Measures, Robert Olson Associates, Prepared for Oregon State Police, Office of Emergency Management, July 1999.
Interagency Hazards Mitigation Team, _State Hazard Mitigation Plan, (Oregon State Police - Office of Emergency Management, 2000).
Risk Management Solutions, Inc., Develop ment of a Standardized Earthquake Loss Estimation Methodology, National Institute of Building Sciences, Volume I and II, 1994.
VSP Associates, Inc., A Benefit/Cost Model for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings, Volumes I & 2, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Publication Numbers 227 and 228, 1991.
YSP Associates, Inc., Benefit/Cost Analysis of Hazard Mitigation Projects: Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Program and Section 406 Public Assistance Program, Volume 3: Seismic Hazard Mitigation Projects, 1993.
YSP Associates, Inc., Seismic Rehabilitation of Federal Buildings: A Benefit/Cost Model, Volume I, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Publication Number 255, 1994.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
Appendix E:
List of Acronyms
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
APPENDIX E: LIST OF ACRONYMS
FEDERAL ACRONYMS
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ATC Applied Technology Council
BCA Benefit/Cost Analysis
BFE Base Flood Elevation
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BSSC Building Seismic Safety Council
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CRS Community Rating System
EDA Economic Development
Mitigation EDA Environmental Protection Agency
ER Emergency Relief
EWP Emergency Watershed Protection (NRCS Program)
FAS Federal Aid System
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance
FTE (FEMA Program)
GIS Geographic Information System
GNS Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (International) GSA General Services Administration
HAZUS Hazards U.S.
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
HMST Hazard Mitigation Survey Team
HUD Housing and Urban Development (United States, Department of) IBHS Institute for Business and Home Safety
ICC Increased Cost of Compliance
IHMT Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team
NCDC National Climate Data Center
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NHMP Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (also known as "409 Plan") NIBS National Institute of Building Sciences
NIFC National Interagency Fire Center
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NPS National Park Service
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NWS National Weather Service
SBA Small Business Administration
SEAO Structural Engineers Association of Oregon
SHMO State Hazard Mitigation Officer
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
TOR Transfer of Development Rights
UGB Urban Growth Boundary
URM Unreinforced Masonry
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USBR United States Bureau of Reclamation
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USFA United States Fire Administration
USFS United States Forest Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
WSSPC Western States Seismic Policy
CALIFORNIA ACRONYMS
A&W Alert and Warning
AA Administering Areas
AAR After Action Report
ARC American Red Cross
ARP Accidental Risk Prevention
ATC20 Applied Technology Council 20
ATC21 Applied Technology Council 21
BCP Budget Change Proposal
BSA California Bureau of State Audits
CAER Community Awareness & Emergency Response
CalARP California Accidental Release Prevention
CalBO California Building Officials
CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency
CalREP California Radiological Emergency Plan
CALSTARS California State Accounting Reporting System
CalTrans California Department of Transportation
CBO Community Based Organization
CD Civil Defense
CDF California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CDMG California Division of Mines and Geology
CEC California Energy Commission
CEPEC California Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council CESRS California Emergency Services Radio System
CHIP California Hazardous Identification Program
CHMIRS California Hazardous Materials Incident Reporting System CHP California Highway Patrol
CLETS California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System CSTI California Specialized Training Institute
CUEA California Utilities Emergency Association
CUPA Certified Unified Program Agency
DAD Disaster Assistance Division (of the state Office of Emergency Svcs) DFO Disaster Field Office
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
DGS California Department of General Services
DHSRHB California Department of Health Services, Radiological Health Branch DO Duty Officer
DOC Department Operations Center
DOE Department of Energy (U.S.)
DOF California Department of Finance
DOJ California Department of Justice
DPA California Department of Personnel Administration
DPIG Disaster Preparedness Improvement Grant
DR Disaster Response
DSA Division of the State Architect
DSR Damage Survey Report
DSW Disaster Service Worker
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EAS Emergency Alerting System
EDIS Emergency Digital Information System
EERI Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
EMA Emergency Management Assistance
EMI Emergency Management Institute
EMMA Emergency Managers Mutual Aid
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EOC Emergency Operations Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.)
EPEDAT Early Post Earthquake Damage Assessment Tool
EPI Emergency Public Information
EPIC Emergency Public Information Council
ESC Emergency Services Coordinator
FAY Federal Award Year
FDAA Federal Disaster Assistance Administration
FEAT Governor's Flood Emergency Action Team
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FFY Federal Fiscal Year
FIR Final Inspection Reports
FIRESCOPE Firefighting Resources of So. Calif Organized for Potential Emergencies FMA Flood Management Assistance
FSR Feasibility Study Report
FY Fiscal Year
GIS Geographical Information System
HAZMAT Hazardous Materials
HAZMIT Hazardous Mitigation
HAZUS Hazards United States (an earthquake damage assessment prediction tool) HAD Housing and Community Development
HEICS Hospital Emergency Incident Command System
HEPG Hospital Emergency Planning Guidance
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
HIA Hazard Identification and Analysis Unit
HMEP Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
IDE Initial Damage Estimate
IA Individual Assistance
IFG Individual & Family Grant (program)
IRG Incident Response Geographic Information System
IPA Information and Public Affairs (of state Office of Emergency Services) LAN Local Area Network
LEMMA Law Enforcement Master Mutual Aid
LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee
MARAC Mutual Aid Regional Advisory Council
MHID Multi-hazard Identification
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NBC Nuclear, Biological, Chemical
NEMA National Emergency Management Agency
NEMIS National Emergency Management Information System
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
NPP Nuclear Power Plant
NSF National Science Foundation
NWS National Weather Service
OA Operational Area
OASIS Operational Area Satellite Information System
OCC Operations Coordination Center
OCD Office of Civil Defense
OEP Office of Emergency Planning
OES California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
OSHPD Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development OSPR Oil Spill Prevention and Response
PA Public Assistance
PC Personal Computer
PDA Preliminary Damage Assessment
PIO Public Information Office
POST Police Officer Standards and Training
PPA/CA Performance Partnership Agreement/Cooperative Agreement/Cooperative Agreement (FEMA)
PSA Public Service Announcement
PTAB Planning and Technological Assistance Branch
PTR Project Time Report
RA Regional Administrator (OES)
RADEF Radiological Defense (program)
RAMP Regional Assessment of Mitigation Priorities
RAPID Railroad Accident Prevention & Immediate Deployment RDO Radiological Defense Officer
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
RDMHC Regional Disaster Medical Health Coordinator
REOC Regional Emergency Operations Center
REPI Reserve Emergency Public Information
RES Regional Emergency Staff
RIMS Response Information Management System
RMP Risk Management Plan
RPU Radiological Preparedness Unit (OES)
RRT Regional Response Team
SAM State Administrative Manual
SARA Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act
SAVP Safety Assessment Volunteer Program
SBA Small Business Administration
SCO California State Controller's Office
SEMS Standardized Emergency Management System
SEPIC State Emergency Public Information Committee
SLA State and Local Assistance
SONGS San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
SWEPC Statewide Emergency Planning Committee
TEC Travel Expense Claim
TRU Transuranic
TTT Train the Trainer
UPA Unified Program Account
UPS Uninterrupted Power Source
USAR Urban Search and Rescue
USGS United States Geological Survey California State
WC Warning Center
WAN Wide Area Network
WIPP Waste Isolation Pilot Project
Source: Disaster Management Area D Coordinator, 2004.
City of Pomona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix F: Glossary
Appendix F:
Glossary
Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
APPENDIX F: GLOSSARY
Acceleration
The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. Acceleration due to gravity at the earth's surface is 9.8 meters per second squared. That means that every second that something falls toward the surface of earth its velocity increases by 9.8 meters per second.
Asset
Any manmade or natural feature that has value, including, but not limited to people; buildings; infrastructure like bridges, roads, and sewer and water systems; lifelines like electricity and communication resources; or environmental, cultural, or recreational features like parks, dunes, wet-lands, or landmarks.
Base Flood Flood that has a I percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Also known as the 100-year flood.
Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Elevation of the base flood in relation to a specified datum, such as the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. The Base Flood Elevation is used as the standard for the National Flood In-surance Program.
Bedrock The solid rock that underlies loose material, such as soil, sand, clay, or gravel.
Building
A structure that is walled and roofed, principally above ground and permanently affixed to a site. The term includes a manufactured home on a permanent foundation on which the wheels and axles carry no weight.
Coastal High Hazard Area
Area, usually along an open coast, bay, or inlet, that is subject to inundation by storm surge and, in some instances, wave action caused by storms or seismic sources.
Coastal Zones
The area along the shore where the ocean meets the land as the surface of the land rises above the ocean. This land/water interface includes barrier islands, estuaries, beaches, coastal wetlands, and land areas having direct drainage to the ocean.
Community Rating System
(CRS)
An NFIP program that provides incentives for NFIP communities to complete activities that reduce flood hazard risk. When the community completes specified activities, the insurance premiums of policyholders in these communities are reduced.
Computer-Aided Design and
Drafting (CADD)
A computerized system enabling quick and accurate electronic 2-D and 3-D drawings, topographic mapping, site plans, and profile/cross- section drawings.
Contour A line of equal ground elevation on a topographic (contour) map.
Critical Facility
Facilities that are critical to the health and welfare of the population and that are especially important following hazard events. Critical facilities include, but are not limited to, shelters, police and fire stations, and hospitals.
Debris
The scattered remains of assets broken or destroyed in a hazard event.
Debris caused by a wind or water hazard event can cause additional damage to other assets.
Digitalize
To convert electronically points, lines, and area boundaries shown on maps into x, y coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude, universal transverse mercator (UTM), or table coordinates) for use in computer Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
applications.
Displacement Time
The average time (in days) which the building's occupants typically must operate from a temporary location to while repairs are made to the original building due to damages resulting from a hazard event.
Duration How long a hazard event lasts.
Earthquake A sudden motion or trembling that is caused by a release of strain accumulated within or along the edge of earth's tectonic plates.
Erosion
Wearing away of the land surface by detachment and movement of soil and rock fragments, during a flood or storm or over a period of years, through the action of wind, water, or other geologic processes.
Erosion Hazard Area
Area anticipated to be lost to shoreline retreat over a given period of time. The projected inland extent of the area is measured by multiplying the average annual long-term recession rate by the number of years desired.
Essential Facility
Elements that are important to ensure a full recovery of a community or state following a hazard event. These would include: government functions, major employers, banks, schools, and certain commercial establishments, such as grocery stores, hardware stores, and gas stations.
Extent The size of an area affected by a hazard or hazard event.
Extratropical Cyclone
Cyclonic storm events like Nor'easters and severe winter low-pressure systems. Both West and East coasts can experience these non-trop ical storms that produce gale-force winds and precipitation in the form of heavy rain or snow. These cyclonic storms, commonly called nor'easters on the East Coast because of the direction of the storm winds, can last for several days and can be very large -1,000-mile wide storms are not uncommon.
Fault
A fracture in the continuity of a rock formation caused by a shifting or dislodging of the earth's crust, in which adjacent surfaces are differentially displaced parallel to the plane of fracture.
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
Independent agency created in 1978 to provide a single point of accountability for all Federal activities related to disaster mitigation and emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
Fire Potential Index (FPI)
Developed by USGS and USFS to assess and map fire hazard potential over broad areas. Based on such geo-graph ic information, national policy makers and on-the-ground fire managers established priorities for prevention activities in the defined area to reduce the risk of managed and wildfire ignition and spread. Prediction of fire hazard shortens the time between fire ignition and initial attack by enabling fire managers to pre-allocate and stage sup
-pres
sion forces to high fire
risk areas.
Flash Flood A flood event occurring with little or no warning where water levels rise at an extremely fast rate.
Flood
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of nor-mally dry land areas from (I) the overflow of inland or tidal waters, (2) the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
any source, or (3) mudflows or the sudden collapse of shoreline land.
Flood Depth Height of the floodwater surface above the ground surface.
Flood Elevation
Elevation of the water sur-face above an established datum, e.g.
National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929, North American Ver-tical Datum of 1988, or Mean Sea Level.
Flood Hazard Area The area shown to be inundated by a flood of a given magnitude on a map.
Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM)
Map of a community, pre-pared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency that shows both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
A study that provides an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations in a community or communities.
Floodplain Any land area, including watercourse, susceptible to partial or complete inundation by water from any source.
Frequency
A measure of how often events of a particular magnitude are expected to occur. Frequency describes how often a hazard of a specific magnitude, duration, and/or extent typically occurs, on average.
Statistically, a hazard with a 100-year recurrence interval is expected to occur once every 100 years on average, and would have a 1 percent chance -its probability-of happening in any given year. The reliability of this information varies depending on the kind of hazard being considered.
Fujita Scale of Tornado
Intensity
Rates tornadoes with numeric values from F0 to F5 based on tornado wind-speed and damage sustained. An F0 indicates minimal damage su
ch as broken tree limbs or signs, while and F5 indicated severe damage sustained.
Functional Downtime The average time (in days) during which a function (business or service) is unable to provide its services due to a hazard event.
Geographic Area Impacted The physical area in which the effects of the hazard are experienced.
Geographic Information
Systems (GIS)
A computer software application that relates physical features on the earth to a database to be used for mapping and analysis.
Ground Motion
The vibration or shaking of the ground during an earthquake. When a fault ruptures, seismic waves radiate, causing the ground to vibrate.
The severity of the vibration increases with the amount of energy released and decreases with distance from the causative fault or epicenter, but soft soils can further amplify ground motions.
Hazard
A source of potential danger or adverse condition. Hazards in this how- to series will include naturally occurring events such as floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunami, coastal storms, landslides, and wildfires that strike populated areas. A natural event is a hazard when it has the potential to harm people or property.
Hazard Event A specific occurrence of a particular type of hazard.
Hazard Identification The process of identifying hazards that threaten an area.
Hazard Mitigation Sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk from hazards and their effects.
Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
Hazard Profile
A description of the physical characteristics of hazards and a determination of various descriptors including magnitude, duration, frequency, probability, and extent. In most cases, a community can most easily use these descriptors when they are recorded and displayed as maps.
HAZUS (Hazards US) A GIS-based nationally standardized earthquake loss estimation tool developed by FEMA
Hurricane
An intense tropical cyclone, formed in the atmosphere over warm ocean areas, in which wind speeds reach 74- miles-per-hour or more and blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center or "eye." Hurricanes develop over the north Atlantic Ocean, northeast Pacific Ocean, or the south Pacific Ocean east of 160°E longitude. Hurricane circulation is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hydrology The science of dealing with the waters of the earth. A flood discharge is developed by a hydrologic study.
Infrastructure
Refers to the public services of a community that have a direct impact on the quality of life. Infrastructure includes communication technology such as phone lines or Internet access, vital services such as public water supplies and sewer treat
-men
t facilities, and includes an area's
transportation sys-tem
such as airports, heliports; highways, bridges,
tunnels, roadbeds, over-pass es, railways, bridges, rail yards, depots; and waterways, canals, locks, seaports, ferries, harbors, drydocks, piers and regional dams.
Intensity A measure of the effects of a hazard event at a particular place.
Landslide Downward movement of a slope and materials under the force of gravity.
Lateral Spreads
Develop on gentle slopes and entail the sidelong movement of large masses of soil as an underlying layer liquefies in a seismic event. The phenomenon that occurs when ground shaking causes loose soils to lose strength and act like viscous fluid. Liquefaction causes two types of ground failure: lateral spread and loss of bearing strength.
Liquefaction Results when the soil supporting structures liquefies. This can cause structures to tip and topple.
Lowest Floor Under the NFIP, the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement) of a structure.
Magnitude
A measure of the strength of a hazard event. The magnitude (also referred to as severity) of a given hazard event is usually determined using technical measures specific to the hazard.
Mitigation Plan
A systematic evaluation of the nature and extent of vulnerability to the effects of natural hazards typically present in the state and includes a description of actions to minimize future vulnerability to hazards.
National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP)
Federal program created by Congress in 1968 that makes flood insurance available in communities that enact minimum floodplain management regulations in 44 CFR §60.3.
National Geodetic Vertical Datum established in 1929 and used in the NFIP as a basis for Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
Datum of 1929 (NGVD) measuring flood, ground, and structural ele-vations, previously referred to as Sea Level Datum or Mean Sea Level. The Base Flood Elevations shown on most of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are referenced to NGVD.
National Weather Service
(NWS)
Prepares and issues flood, severe weather, and coastal storm warnings and can provide technical assistance to Federal and state entities in preparing weather and flood warning plans.
Nor’easter An extra-tropical cyclone producing gale-force winds and precipitation in the form of heavy snow or rain.
Outflow Follows water inundation creating strong currents that rip at structures and pound them with debris and erode beaches and coastal structures.
Planimetric Describes maps that indicate only man-made features like buildings.
Planning The act or process of making or carrying out plans; the establishment of goals, policies and procedures for a social or economic unit.
Probability A statistical measure of the likelihood that a hazard event will occur.
Recurrence Interval
The time between hazard events of similar size in a given location. It is based on the probability that the given event will be equaled or exceeded in any given year.
Repetitive Loss Property
A property that is currently insured for which two or more National Flood Insurance Program losses (occurring more than ten days apart) of at least $1,000 each have been paid within any 10-year period since 1978.
Replacement Value
The cost of rebuilding a structure. This is usually expressed in terms of cost per square foot and reflects the present-day cost of labor and materials to construct a building of a particular size, type and quality.
Richter Scale A numerical scale of earthquake magnitude devised by seismologist C.F.
Richter in 1935.
Risk
The estimated impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community; the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.
Risk is often expressed in relative terms such as a high, moderate or low likelihood of sustaining damage above a particular threshold due to a specific type of hazard event. It also can be expressed in terms of potential monetary losses associated with the intensity of the hazard.
Riverine Of or produced by a river.
Scale
A proportion used in determining a dimensional relationship; the ratio of the distance between two points on a map and the actual distance between the two points on the earth's surface.
Scarp A steep slope.
Scour
Removal of soil or fill material by the flow of floodwaters. The term is frequently used to describe storm-induced, localized conical erosion around pilings and other foundation supports where the obstruction of flow increases turbulence.
Seismicity Describes the likelihood of an area being subject to earthquakes.
Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA)
An area within a floodplain having a 1 percent or greater chance of flood occurrence in any given year (100-year floodplain); represented Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
on Flood Insurance Rate Maps by darkly shaded areas with zone designations that include the letter A or V.
Stafford Act
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 100-107 was signed into law November 23, 1988 and amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, PL 93-288. The Stafford Act is the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities, especially as they pertain to FEMA and its programs.
State Hazard Mitigation Officer
(SHMO)
The representative of state government who is the primary point of contact with FEMA, other state and Federal agencies, and local units of government in the planning and implementation of pre- and post- disaster mitigation activities.
Storm Surge
Rise in the water surface above normal water level on the open coast due to the action of wind stress and atmospheric pressure on the water surface.
Structure Something constructed. (See also Building)
Substantial Damage
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage.
Super Typhoon A typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph or more.
Surface Faulting
The differential movement of two sides of a fracture - in other words, the location where the ground breaks apart. The length, width, and displacement of the ground characterize surface faults.
Tectonic Plate
Torsionally rigid, thin seg-ments of the earth's lithosphere that may be assumed to move horizontally and adjoin other plates. It is the friction between plate boundaries that cause seismic activity.
Topographic
Characterizes maps that show natural features and indicate the physical shape of the land using contour lines. These maps may also include manmade features.
Tornado A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Tropical Cyclone A generic term for a cyclonic, low-pressure system over tropical or subtropical waters.
Tropical Depression A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph.
Tropical Storm A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds greater than 39 mph and less than 74 mph.
Tsunami Great sea wave produced by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption.
Typhoon
A special category of tropical cyclone peculiar to the western North Pacific Basin, frequently affecting areas in the vicinity of Guam and the North Mariana Islands. Typhoons whose maximum sustained winds attain or exceed 150 mph are called super typhoons.
Vulnerability
Describes how exposed or susceptible to damage an asset is.
Vulnerability depends on an asset's construction, contents, and the economic value of its functions. Like indirect damages, the vulnerability of one element of the community is often related to the vulnerability of Draft Table of Contents Section
Appendix F: Glossary
another. For example, many businesses depend on uninterrupted electrical power -if an electric substation is flooded, it will affect not only the substation itself, but a number of businesses as well. Often, indirect effects can be much more widespread and damaging than direct ones.
Vulnerability Assessment
The extent of injury and damage that may result from a hazard event of a given area. The vulnerability assessment should address impacts of hazard events on the existing and future built environment.
Water Displacement
When a large mass of earth on the ocean bottom sinks or uplifts, the column of water directly above it is displaced, forming the tsunami wave. The rate of displacement, motion of the ocean floor at the epicenter, the amount of displacement of the rupture zone, and the depth of water above the rupture zone all contribute to the intensity of the tsunami.
Wave Runup
The height that the wave extends up to on steep shorelines, measured above a reference level (the normal height of the sea, corrected to the state of the tide at the time of wave arrival).
Wildfire An uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels, exposing and possibly consuming structures.
Zone A geographical area shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area
Source: Disaster Management Area D Coordinator, 2004.
APPENDIX C
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ALL-HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
2025 County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Chief Executive Office - Office of Emergency Management
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Acknowledgement
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gratefully acknowledges the following agencies/jurisdictions who contributed to the development of this plan.
County Departments
Aging and Disabilities
Chief Executive Office
Chief Sustainability Office
Beaches and Harbors
Economic Opportunity
Health Services
Human Resources
Parks and Recreation
Public Health
Public Social Services
Public Works
Regional Planning
Fire (LACoFD)
Internal Services
Sheriff (LASD)
Disaster Management Area Coordinators
State of California
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCCD) External Partners
Access Services
Alzheimer’s Association
Catholic Charities
City of Beverly Hills
City of Long Beach
Disability Community Resource Center
Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center
Emergency Network Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity
Harbor Regional Center
Lanterman Regional Center
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles
County
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority
South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
Westside Regional Center
Cover Photo Credits: Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Countywide Communications Branch; Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................. 1 Letter of Promulgation ........................................................................................................... 2 1 Introduction, Purpose, and Scope ................................................................................ 6
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Legal Authority and Requirements ......................................................................... 7
1.4 Plan Organization ..................................................................................................... 8 2 Planning Process ............................................................................................................. 9
2.1 Overview of the Planning Process ........................................................................ 10
2.2 Stakeholder Engagement ...................................................................................... 13
2.3 Public Involvement and Outreach ........................................................................ 18
2.4 Review and Incorporation of Existing Plans and Reports .................................. 19 3 Community Profile ........................................................................................................ 22
3.1 Los Angeles County Overview .............................................................................. 23
3.2 Geography and Land Use ..................................................................................... 24
3.3 Social Vulnerability ................................................................................................. 25
3.4 Economy and Critical Infrastructure ..................................................................... 28
3.5 Climate and Environmental Conditions ............................................................... 29
3.6 Regional Collaboration and Planning Efforts ...................................................... 30
3.7 Implications for Hazard Mitigation Planning ....................................................... 31 4 Climate Change ............................................................................................................ 32
4.1 Climate Change Overview .................................................................................... 33
4.2 Integrating Climate Change into Hazard Profiles ............................................... 34
4.3 Climate Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................ 36
4.4 Climate Change Conclusion ................................................................................. 37 County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
5 Integrating Access and Functional Needs (AFN) into Hazard Mitigation .............. 38
5.1 AFN Introduction .................................................................................................... 39
5.2 Inclusion of AFN and Vulnerable Populations in Planning ................................ 39
5.3 Assessment of AFN Needs .................................................................................... 40
5.4 Coordination with AFN Support Agencies .......................................................... 42
5.5 AFN Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 42 6 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ............................................................... 43
6.1 Hazard Identification Overview ............................................................................. 44
6.2 Wildfire ..................................................................................................................... 49
6.3 Earthquake .............................................................................................................. 57
6.4 Extreme Heat ........................................................................................................... 67
6.5 Drought .................................................................................................................... 74
6.6 Flooding .................................................................................................................. 82
6.7 Dam Failure ............................................................................................................. 92
6.8 Land Movement .................................................................................................... 102
6.9 Tsunami .................................................................................................................. 114
6.10 Severe Wind and Tornado ............................................................................... 120
6.11 Mass Violence .................................................................................................... 130
6.12 Cybersecurity Incidents .................................................................................... 135
6.13 Transportation Incidents ................................................................................... 142
6.14 Public Health Emergencies .............................................................................. 147 7 Mitigation Strategy ...................................................................................................... 152
7.1 Mitigation Strategy Overview .............................................................................. 153
7.2 Mitigation Goals and Objectives ........................................................................ 153
7.3 Existing Mitigation Capabilities .......................................................................... 155
7.4 Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Strategies ......................................... 172 County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
7.5 Status of Previous Mitigation Efforts ................................................................... 184
7.6 Prioritization and Implementation of Mitigation Actions ................................. 186
7.7 Integration with Other Plans ............................................................................... 189
7.8 Mitigation Action Plan .......................................................................................... 191 8 Plan Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 196
8.1 Community Participation in Plan Maintenance ................................................. 197
8.2 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Maintenance......................................................... 198
8.3 Criteria for Updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan ............................................. 199
8.4 Plan Update ........................................................................................................... 200
8.5 Integration with Other Plans ............................................................................... 201 9 Plan Adoption .............................................................................................................. 202
9.1 Plan Adoption Overview ...................................................................................... 203 Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 204 County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
1 Introduction, Purpose,
and Scope
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
1.1 Purpose
The 2025 All -Hazard Mitigation Plan (AHMP) was developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders representing County Departments and other external stakeholders from cities, local utilities, non -governmental organizations, and state agencies. The purpose of this AHMP is to form the strategic-level foundation for hazard mitigation efforts undertaken by the County of Los Angeles. The 2025 AHMP is an update to the 2020 version of the plan and seeks to maintain the County’s continuing commitment to hazard mitigation as a critical step in reducing hazard risks, making communities safer, and building countywide resilience.
1.2 Scope
Hazard mitigation is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.” This AHMP identifies and profiles hazards, analyzes the people and cri tical infrastructure at risk, and provides a series of mitigation strategies aimed at reducing hazard risk. The plan also describes actions to integrate vulnerable communities including people with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) into hazard mitigation planning and other efforts. The AHMP is intended to function as a strategic plan for hazard mitigation and, while not an emergency plan, complements the Los Angeles County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan. This plan contains mitigation strategies for County -owned facilities or other areas under the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles. Hazard mitigation strategies for incorporated cities within Los Angeles County may be found in that city’s hazard mitigation plan.
1.3 Legal Authority and Requirements
Historically local hazard mitigation planning has been driven by federal law. The Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 with new requirements for hazard mitigation.
The DMA of 2000 emphasized the need for state, tribal, and local entities to closely coordinate on hazard mitigation efforts and formed the legal basis for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) current mitigation plan requirements in order to utilize H azard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. This plan was prepared County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
pursuant to the requirements set forth in the DMA of 2000 and other FEMA hazard mitigation policy guidance.
1.4 Plan Organization
The AHMP is organized into nine (9) sections, excluding the Appendices, including:
1. Introduction: Discusses the purpose, scope, and legal authority of the plan.
2. Planning Process: Describes the planning process that was undertaken by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to create this updated 2025 AHMP .
3. Community Profile: Overviews the unique geographic, climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that make up Los Angeles County and their implications for hazard mitigation planning.
4. Climate Change: Outlines the impacts of climate change in Los Angeles County and potential mitigation and adaptation measures.
5. Integrating AFN into Hazard Mitigation: Discusses strategies for integrating people with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) into prevention and hazard mitigation efforts.
6. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Identifies and profiles nine (9) natural and four (4) human-caused hazards that may impact Los Angeles County including: wildfire, earthquake, extreme heat, drought, flooding, dam failure, land movement, tsunami, severe wind and tornado, mass violence, cybersecurity incidents, transportation incidents, and public health emergencies.
7. Mitigation Strategy: Delineates the overall strategy for the County’s hazard mitigation efforts including goals and objectives, existing mitigation capabilities, and an analysis of mitigation actions.
8. Plan Maintenance: Outlines how the plan will be maintained annually ahead of the next full plan update in five years.
9. Plan Adoption: Discusses updates to the plan and implementation following plan adoption.
Following these sections, there are an additional six (6) appendices with supporting materials such as hazard maps, meeting minutes from planning meetings, and information about the public engagement efforts during the planning process.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
2 Planning Process
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
2.1 Overview of the Planning Process
The 2025 Los Angeles County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (AHMP) update builds upon the robust all -hazard planning framework established by the 2020 All -Hazards Mitigation Plan, while incorporating new methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and compliance requirements. The planning process for this update emphasized inclusivity, transparency, and the integration of emerging climate adaptation considerations.
This planning process followed a structured, phased approach aligned with FEMA’s Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2022), 44 CFR requirements, and guidance from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). This approach began with project initiation where the scope, timeline, and stakeholders were defined.
Stakeholder and public engagement were prioritized to ensure representation from diverse groups, including historically underrepresented communities and climate - vulnerable populations.
Data collection and analysis leveraged updated hazard, climate, and vulnerability data from local, state, and federal sources, providing a foundation for enhanced risk and vulnerability assessments. Hazard profiles were updated to include climate projections and cascading impact scenarios. Mitigation strategies were revised and prioritized with a renewed focus on climate resilience and nature-based solutions. Strategies were also developed incorporating people with access and functional needs throughout each component of the AHMP . Finally, methods for monitoring and evaluation of mitigation efforts were defined in the plan maintenance and implementation strategy. Table 2 -1 provides a timeline of the major plan update tasks and milestones over the planning process.
Table 2-1 AMHP Planning Timeline
Date Tasks People Involved
February
2025
Reviewed the 2020 AHMP and identified
components that require update.
OEM AHMP Project
Team
Collected and reviewed existing
documents, including the Threat and
Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment (THIRA) along with resources
for people with access and functional
OEM AHMP Project
Team
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Date Tasks People Involved
needs and people experiencing
homelessness.
February
2025
Met with state Hazard Mitigation
Planning Team.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
Identified the initial list of stakeholders
and ensured organizations that work with
and represent people with access and
functional needs were engaged in the
planning process. External stakeholders
include neighboring communities, local
and regional agencies, and others.
OEM AHMP Project
Team
Conducted 2025 AHMP Kickoff Meetings
with internal stakeholders.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group, Cal
OES Mitigation Division
Determined hazards to be profiled
including both natural (i.e., wildland fire,
earthquake, etc.) and human-caused (i.e.,
cybersecurity, terrorism, etc.).
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group
Drafted initial sections of the 2025 AHMP . OEM AHMP Project Team
Shared drafts of initial sections with
internal and external stakeholders for
their review.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
Met with internal and external
stakeholders to obtain feedback on draft
plan elements.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Date Tasks People Involved
March
2025
Developed the Public Outreach
Engagement Plan to collect feedback
from the public on the public draft of the
2025 AHMP .
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
Drafted subsequent sections of the 2025
AHMP including updating existing
mitigation actions and developing new
mitigation actions as needed.
OEM AHMP Project
Team
Shared drafts of the subsequent sections
with internal and external stakeholders
for their review.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
Met with internal and external
stakeholders to obtain feedback on
subsequent draft plan elements.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
April/May
2025
Drafted final sections of the 2025 AHMP
and produced a Final Draft AHMP .
OEM AHMP Project
Team
Shared Final Draft of the AHMP with
internal and external stakeholders for
their review.
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
Met with internal and external
stakeholders to obtain feedback on
subsequent Final Draft AHMP .
OEM AHMP Project
Team, Internal County
Stakeholder Group,
External Stakeholder
Group, Cal OES
Mitigation Division
Produced Final AHMP . OEM AHMP Project
Team
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
2.2 Stakeholder Engagement
Inclusive stakeholder involvement was essential to the planning process. The County ensured broad representation and participation, consistent with the "Whole Community Approach" outlined in the 2023 Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan ( OAEOP). Key stakeholders that comprised the Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee included:
• County departments such as, but not limited to, Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning.
• Cities within the operational area (OA) and neighboring communities through Disaster Management Area Coordinators (DMACs) and city representation. • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including environmental and disability advocacy groups.
• Special District partners managing critical infrastructure. • Representatives of academia and school districts.
• Community representatives from Access and Functional Needs (AFN) populations and historically underrepresented populations.
Regular meetings, workshops, and focus groups were held to gather input and refine mitigation strategies. Stakeholders were contacted and invited to participate in the 2025 AHMP planning process through email (please see email template in Appendix B-3). Stakeholder feedback was documented and incorporated into the plan, ensuring diverse perspectives informed the process. Tables 2 -2 and 2 -3 includes a list of representatives of each agency that contributed to the planning process.
Table 2-2 Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee – Internal Stakeholder Group Department/
Agency
Name Title Planning Contribution
Los Angeles County
Office of
Emergency
Management (OEM
AHMP Project
Team)
Michael
Morin
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Functioned as lead planners,
led planning meetings,
drafted plan, reviewed
mitigation actions submitted
by departments.
Matthew
Topoozian
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Department/
Agency
Name Title Planning Contribution
Karen Haro Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Girma
Wollela
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Los Angeles County
Department of
Aging and
Disabilities
Mike Tsao Administrative
Deputy
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Henry
Lopez
Program
Manager
Carin
Anderson
Administrative
Services
Manager
Keilah
Kelso
Administrative
Services
Manager
Los Angeles County
Chief Executive
Office – Anti-
Racism, Diversity,
and Inclusion
Initiative
Cesar
Sanchez
Senior Analyst Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Chief Executive
Office – Homeless
Initiative
Onnie
Williams III
Principal Analyst Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Chief Sustainability
Office
Matthew
Gosner
Climate
Resilience
Officer
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Department/
Agency
Name Title Planning Contribution
Los Angeles County
Department of
Beaches and
Harbors
Katharine
de la Cruz
Administrative
Services
Manager
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Vanessa
Huerta
Safety Officer
Los Angeles County
Department of
Economic
Opportunity
Maritza
Dubie
Human Services
Administrator
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Department of
Health Services
Elaine
Forsyth
Senior Nursing
Instructor
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Isabel
Sanchez
Disaster
Services
Specialist
Los Angeles County
Department of
Human Resources
Kevin
Halbritter
Deputy
Compliance
Officer
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Department of
Parks and
Recreation
Ramon
Bernal
Disaster
Services Analyst
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Department of
Public Health
Elizabeth
Rubin
Epidemiologist Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Department of
Public Social
Services
Manuel
Gutierrez
Disaster
Services Analyst
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Department/
Agency
Name Title Planning Contribution
Los Angeles County
Department of
Public Works
Joseph
Marble
Disaster
Services Analyst
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Loni Eazell Disaster
Services
Specialist
Los Angeles County
Department of
Regional Planning
Thuy Hua Supervising
Planner
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Edgar De
La Torre
Principal
Regional
Planner
Los Angeles County
Fire Department
Nick
Duvally
Deputy Fire
Chief
Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Internal Services
Department
Juan-Raul
Cardenas
GIS Analyst Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s
Department
Jordan
Kennedy
Sergeant Attended planning meetings,
reviewed section drafts, and
provided feedback.
Table 2-3 Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee – External Stakeholder Group Department/Agency Planning Contribution
Access Services Attended planning meetings, reviewed section drafts, and provided feedback.
Alzheimer’s Association
California
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
California Governor’s Office
of Emergency Services
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Catholic Charities Attended planning meetings, reviewed section drafts, and provided feedback.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Department/Agency Planning Contribution
City of Beverly Hills
Emergency Management
Division
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
City of Long Beach Disaster
Preparedness & Emergency
Communications
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
City of Los Angeles
Emergency Management
Department
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disability Community
Resource Center
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area A
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area B
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area C
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area D
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area E
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area F
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area G
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Disaster Management Area
Coordinator, Area H
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Eastern Los Angeles
Regional Center
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Emergency Network Los
Angeles
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Habitat for Humanity Attended planning meetings, reviewed section drafts, and provided feedback.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Department/Agency Planning Contribution
Harbor Regional Center Attended planning meetings, reviewed section drafts, and provided feedback.
Lanterman Regional Center Attended planning meetings, reviewed section drafts, and provided feedback.
Los Angeles County Office of
Education
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Los Angeles County
Sanitation Districts
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Los Angeles Metropolitan
Transportation Authority
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Los Angeles Regional Food
Bank
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Neighborhood Legal
Services of Los Angeles
County
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Puente Hills Habitat
Preservation Authority
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
South Central Los Angeles
Regional Center
Attended planning meetings, reviewed section
drafts, and provided feedback.
Westside Regional Center Attended planning meetings, reviewed section drafts, and provided feedback.
2.3 Public Involvement and Outreach
Public outreach efforts aimed to foster transparency, inclusivity, and fortify public trust.
The County engaged the public during the planning process through multiple media formats to share information and collect feedback taking into account language and other access and functional needs. A rolling outreach strategy was used to ensure that as each section was drafted and reviewed by planning stakeholders, it was concurrently made available for public commentary. To accomplish this, each section was posted to the Los Angeles County Hazard Mitigation Program website as it was completed by the planning team. A survey designed to gauge community perceptions of hazard risks and mitigation priorities was used on the website (Appendix D). This approach ensured that the public was a key partner in every step of the planning process and had a voice as County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
each section was being developed by the planning team. A social media campaign using all LA County OEM social media channels was initiated to direct the public to the survey.
To address equity, targeted outreach efforts focused on engaging historically underrepresented communities and AFN populations, using multilingual and accessible materials and culturally appropriate techniques. Aside from public outreach, stakeholders that work with or represent people with access and functional needs, people experiencing homelessness, and a diverse array of cultural groups were targeted to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee. These measures ensured that the public had m eaningful opportunities to participate in shaping the plan.
2.4 Review and Incorporation of Existing Plans and Reports The planning process included a comprehensive review of existing documents and protocols to ensure consistency and alignment. The 2020 All -Hazards Mitigation Plan served as the foundational document for this update. Additionally, key concepts from the 2023 Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan (OAEOP), such as Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) and disaster management areas, were integrated. The Los Angeles County Climate Vulnerability Assessment provided valuable insights into climate risks and social sensitivity, while local Climate Action Plans ensured alignment with municipal climate adaptation initiatives. Furthermore, the 2021 UASI THIRA (Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) provided critical data for identifying evolving threats and capability targets, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the plan. The demographic data from the 2020 U.S. Census was utilized to ensure an accurate representation of Los Angeles County's population, now estimated at over 10 million residents. The demographic breakdown includes 48% Hispanic or Latino, 26% White, 15% As ian, 8% African American, and 3% other, with over 40% speaking a language other than English at home, emphasizing the need for multilingual and culturally appropriate outreach.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Table 2-4 Existing Plans, Maps, and Reports
Plan, Map, or Report Information to be Incorporated into the 2025 Updated AHMP
Los Angeles County
Operational Area
Emergency Operations
Plan (2023)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment and Section 7: Mitigation Strategy
Los Angeles County 2035
General Plan (2024)
Safety element mitigation policies used to inform
Section 7 – Mitigation Strategy
Los Angeles County
Comprehensive
Floodplain Management
Plan (2021)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment and Section 7: Mitigation Strategy
for elements related to flood hazards
County of Los Angeles
Floodplain Management
Plan Progress Report from
(2024)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment and Section 7: Mitigation Strategy
for elements related to flood hazards
County of Los Angeles
Repetitive Loss Area
Analysis Progress Report
(2021)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment and Section 7: Mitigation Strategy
for elements related to flood hazards
Los Angeles County 2045
Climate Action Plan (2024)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment, Section 7: Mitigation Strategy, and
Section 4: Climate Change for elements related to
hazard risk posed by climate change
Los Angeles County Fire
Department Fire Plan
(2023)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment and Section 7: Mitigation Strategy
for elements related to wildland fire hazards
Our County: Los Angeles
Countywide Sustainability
Plan (2019)
Used to inform Section 6: Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment, Section 7: Mitigation Strategy, and
Section 4: Climate Change for elements related to
hazard risk posed by climate change
Los Angeles County
Homeless Initiative
Strategy Plan (2022)
Used to inform vulnerable populations information
across all sections of the plan.
Disability Among Adults in
Los Angeles County
(2019)
Used to inform vulnerable populations information
across all sections of the plan.
Southern California
Earthquake Data Center’s
Earthquake Catalogs
(Current as of 2025)
Historical seismic information used in Section 6:
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
Plan, Map, or Report Information to be Incorporated into the 2025 Updated AHMP
Maritime Tsunami
Response Playbooks:
Background Information
and Guidance for
Response and Hazard
Mitigation Use (2016)
Historical tsunami information used in Section 6:
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
FEMA Flood Insurance
Study, Los Angeles
County, California (2020)
Historical flood information used in Section 6:
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS): Rainfall and
Landslides in Southern
California (2015)
Historical landslide information used in Section 6:
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
Burn Scar Information and
Maps
Historical fire information used in Section 6: Hazard
Identification and Risk Assessment.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
3 Community Profile
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
3.1 Los Angeles County Overview
Los Angeles County is the
most populous county in
the United States,
encompassing a diverse
array of communities,
landscapes, and
infrastructure. According to
the most recent census
data, Los Angeles County
has a population of
approximately 10 million
residents of which more than 1 million reside in unincorporated areas. The County’s demographics, geographic features, and economic activities present both unique opportunities and significant challenges for hazard mitigation planning. This updated community profile integrates insights from the 2023 Operation al Area Emergency Operations Plan (OA EOP) and reflects changes in population trends, infrastructure development, and climate risks.
The County Operational Area (OA) consists of all political subdivisions within the geographical boundaries of Los Angeles County. It encompasses five supervisorial districts, eight Disaster Management Areas (DMAs), 88 incorporated cities, 80 school districts, and approximately 142 special districts.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
3.2 Geography and Land Use
Spanning over 4,000 square
miles, Los Angeles County
features diverse terrain,
including coastal plains,
valleys, mountains, islands,
and deserts. The County’s
varied geography includes
multiple microclimates that
influence its exposure to
natural hazards, such as
earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, floods, and landslides. Urban areas, particularly the City of Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan region, are densely populated and heavily developed. In contrast, rural and unincorporated areas often face unique vulnerabilities due to limited infrastructure and resources. Rural areas include the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests, which have small communities, campgrounds, and day use areas. There are also two islands within the County, Santa Catalina and San Clemente. The County also includes a significant amount of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas where residential and commercial development meets underdeveloped wildland with vegetative fuels. Land use within the County is equally diverse, with a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and open spaces.
Recent urban development in densely populated areas has increased impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, which retain heat and create urban heat islands (UHI) that are much hotter than nearby rural areas. This phenomenon elevates temperatures, especially in low-income communities lacking green spaces for cooling. Additionally, urbanization affects stormwater management by reducing natural drainage and exacerbating flooding risks in low-lying areas.
These trends underscore the need for sustainable planning strategies, such as promoting green infrastructure, enhancing stormwater systems, and mitigating heat islands through tree planting and reflective materials. The County’s diverse land use must be ca refully managed to reduce vulnerabilities while supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
3.3 Social Vulnerability
Social vulnerability is a crucial component to Los Angeles County’s hazard mitigation planning. The County is home to a diverse population with disparities in income, housing stability, and access to resources. The Los Angeles County Anti -Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative created a comprehensive Equity Explorer, which is a geospatial tool that explores multiple equity data points across Los Angeles County. The ARDI Equity Explorer includes various layers that visualize social equity, economic opportunity, housing and homelessness, health, justice, built environment, and disaster recovery data. The public can access this data at ceo.lacounty.gov/ardi/tools. Maps created using data from the ARDI Equity Explorer are in Appendix A-8.
The US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) defines social
vulnerability as a community’s capacity to
prepare for and respond to the stress of
hazardous events ranging from natural
disasters to human caused threats . The
CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (Figure
3.1) is designed to identify and quantify
communities experiencing social
vulnerability.
The most recent CDC Social Vulnerability
Index score from 2022 for Los Angeles
County indicated a high level of
vulnerability across four themes:
socioeconomic status, household
characteristics, racial and ethnic minority
status, and housing type/transportation.
Vulnerable populations identified for Los Angeles County that will be considered in the AHMP include:
Figure 3.1 CDC Social Vulnerability Index (CDC 2022)
County of Los Angeles
All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
• Low-Income Residents :
Individuals living below or near
the poverty line are often
disproportionately affected by
disasters due to limited financial
resources for emergency
preparedness, response, and
recovery.
• People with Access and
Functional Needs (AFN) :
Individuals with Access and
Functional needs have increased
challenges in preparedness,
evacuation, sheltering, accessing
emergency services and recovery.
Access and Functional Needs
include but are not limited to
people who have any combination
in varying degree of: physical
disabilities, intellectual disabilities,
developmental disabilities, mental
health-related issues, visual
impairments, hearing
impairments/deaf, mobility
impairments, or chronic
conditions. AFN also include
older adults, infants and children, people living in institutionalized settings, people living below the poverty line or experiencing homelessness, people with limited English proficiency or are non -English speakers, or people who are transportation disadvantaged.
• People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) : With an estimated over 75,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, this population is particularly at risk during extreme weather events and other disasters.
• Immigration Status: Fear of engaging with government services based on immigration status can prevent residents from accessing critical resources.
Figure 3. 3 Breakdown of Language at Home in Los Angeles County (OAEOP 2023)
Figure 3.2 Disability Statistics in Los Angeles County (OAEOP 2023) County of Los Angeles
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• Limited English Proficiency: Over 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the need for multilingual and culturally appropriate outreach efforts. Language accessibility is critical to ensure all residents and visitors can obtain information and services during a disaster. See Figure 3.3 for a breakdown of languages spoken at home in Los Angeles County not including American Sign Language.
The figure below highlights certain variables in Los Angeles County that may increase vulnerability to emergencies and disasters. To address these vulnerabilities, the County’s mitigation planning includes equitable strategies designed to reduce risk and enhance resilience among these populations. Targeted outreach, improved access to resources, preparedness education events, and collaboration with community organizations are integral to these efforts.
Figure 3.4 Los Angeles County Vulnerability Variables (OAEOP 2023) County of Los Angeles
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains the National Risk Index, a mapping tool that assesses 18 possible hazards a jurisdiction is susceptible to in combination with the amount of loss that could result from those hazards. Los Angeles Cou nty ranks as the community with the most risk in the United States according to the FEMA National Risk Index. According to the National Risk Index, hazards with the highest risk for Los Angeles County include earthquake, wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, high winds, and landslides.
3.4 Economy and Critical Infrastructure
Los Angeles County is a global economic hub, hosting industries such as entertainment, technology, manufacturing, and international trade. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach collectively form one of the world’s busiest trade gateways, under scoring the importance of protecting critical infrastructure fro m hazards including those exacerbated by climate change. Critical facilities provide services and functions essential to a community, especially during and after a disaster.
Common types of cr itical facilities include but are not limited to fire stations, police stations, hospitals, schools, and utilities. Critical facilities may also include places that can be used for sheltering, cooling centers, staging purposes, or other large public gathering spots such as community centers and libraries. Critical facilities include those operated by non-governmental and business partners vital for redevelopment or Figure 3.5 FEMA National Risk Index (2025)
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economic security. When these are affected by a disaster, the County provides businesses and workers impacted by the disaster with vital information and resources.
This allows them to maneuver effectively through disaster response toward recovery using its network of job centers and business hubs.
Other critical infrastructure includes the facilities and industries that enable all facets of society to function, including but not limited to the following community lifelines:
• Safety and Security : The myriad of local law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency management, schools, and other government services that maintain public safety and security.
• Communications: The interconnected network of infrastructure owners and operators of communications systems such as internet, telephone, cellular and other communications towers, cable, satellite, and more. • Transportation Networks: The County’s extensive network of roadways, highways, railways, transit systems, and airports is essential for daily operations and disaster response.
• Energy Systems: Power generation facilities, energy distribution networks, and pipelines are vulnerable to multiple types of hazards and threats. • Water and Wastewater Systems: Drought conditions and aging infrastructure at the over 220 different water agencies in Los Angeles County pose risks to water availability and quality.
• Healthcare Facilities : Over 100 hospitals and numerous clinics serve the County, requiring robust contingency plans to maintain operations during disasters.
• Food and Shelter: The vast system of food production (i.e., agriculture), distribution, and retail along with community housing or sheltering.
3.5 Climate and Environmental Conditions
Los Angeles County faces escalating risks from climate change, significantly impacting its environment, economy, and communities. These challenges include rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and their cascading effects. These risks highlight the critical need for adaptive planning to protect vulnerable populations, infrastructure, and natural resources. Key climate - County of Los Angeles
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related considerations referenced in the Los Angeles County Climate Action Plan that will be addressed in this AHMP include, but are not limited to:
• Extreme Weather Events: Extreme temperatures in the Los Angeles region are expected to increase. Both dry and wet extremes are projected to intensify, leading to longer dry periods than historically experienced. These dry periods are expected to be followed by significantly wett er conditions, including atmospheric rivers bringing more intense rainfall. This pattern may result in increased water scarcity, mudslides, and flooding.
• Sea-Level Rise: Coast al communities are at heightened risk of flooding and erosion, threatening homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Sea level rise can exacerba te the impacts of high tides, storm sur ges, and heavy pr ecipita tion, and can lead to increased coastal flooding and shoreline erosion. • Increasing Wildfire Risk : Climate change has intensified wildfire seasons, particularly in the County’s mountainous , wildland urban interface (WUI), and new and undeveloped regions. Wildfires are projected to increase in frequency and intensity including in some areas not historically impacted by wildfire.
In response, the County has prioritized integrating climate adaptation strategies into its hazard mitigation planning, as outlined in the Climate Vulnerability Assessment and the OAE O P.
3.6 Regional Collaboration and Planning Efforts
Los Angeles County’s size and complexity necessitate s collaboration with numerous jurisdictions, agencies, and community organizations. The County is designated as the Operational Area Coordinator and functions as an intermediate level in the State of California’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). In accordance with SEMS, the County serves as the communications and coordination link between local governments within Los Angeles County and the state government. Partnerships with academic institutions, non-profits, and private sector stakeholders support data collection, public engagement, and innovative mitigation strategies. Additionally, the County has also adopted Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) as the primary emergency management coordination structure. ESFs group function-specific stakeholders who will coordinate throughout all phases of emergency management, County of Los Angeles
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including function-specific mitigation activities. For more information on regional emergency management collaboration and planning, reference the OAE O P.
3.7 Implications for Hazard Mitigation Planning
Understanding the community is a critical aspect in hazard mitigation planning. This community profile will inform key considerations in subsequent sections of the AHMP including but not limited to the following:
• Targeted Outreach: Include vulnerable populations and the business community in the planning process through equitable public outreach. • Infrastructure Resilience: Prioritize the protection of critical infrastructure, including ports and transportation networks, energy systems, and water and wastewater systems, among others.
• Climate Adaptation: Develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, focusing on urban heat islands, sea-level rise, and wildfire risks. • Regional Coordination: Strengthen direct collaboration within the OA between the County, local jurisdictions, special districts, unified school districts, the business community and cross -sector non- governmental partners to enhance awareness, preparedness, and response capabilities.
• Transparent & Open Communication: Ensure communications are accessible, and clear to advance public trust and safety. Develop dashboards to demonstrate progress.
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4 Climate Change
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4.1 Climate Change Overview
Climate change refers to the changing effect of the Earth's climate system over time, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns. Climate change had significant impacts on Los Angeles County, affecting various aspects of life, environment, infrastructure, and sustainable development , and presents increasing risks from amplified hazards and changing baselines (e.g., sea level) into the future. The rate of climate change has significantly accelerated over the last three decades and trends continues. This plan addresses the effects of climate change related to disasters within the County and strategies to mitigate risks, focusing on preparedness, resilience and equity.
Climate change contributes to more frequent and intense disasters, such as floods, wildfires, drought and excessive heat. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns pose health risks, like heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues, and the spread of diseases. Hazard mitigation efforts aim to reduce the impacts and effects of greater hazards due to climate change. The economic impact of climate change has been substantial, affecting industries such as agriculture, tourism, and insurance with increasing risks due to accelerating climate changes.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions are the main driver of climate change, which causes increased frequency, duration, and severity of extreme weather and climate-related disasters. Climate change exacerbates air pollution, leading to poor air quality and health issues. GHG emissions from residential buildings, commercial and institutional facilities, manufacturing industries and construction, energy industries, oil and natural gas systems. transportation, fossil energy, wildfires and other sources contribute to increased particulate matter and other pollutants in the air.
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4.2 Integrating Climate Change into Hazard Profiles
Integrating climate change into
hazard profiles involves assessing the
current and future impacts of climate
change on various hazards and
incorporating this information into
planning and mitigation strategies.
This section highlights how climate
change relates to these hazards and
how the county is addressing climate
change through hazard mitigation
efforts which help protect the county’s
residents and economies from the
adverse effects of climate changes and climate-amplified events.
4.2.1 Extreme Heat
Increasing temperatures and high heat events is one of the most conspicuous results of and a direct correlation between GHG pollution and climate change. Excessive temperatures in the Los Angeles region are expected to increase significantly more very hot days and warm nights. In addition to increasing baseline temperatures and extreme heat due to climate change, heat islands exacerbate temperatures and high heat events. As development occurs and darker paved surfaces replace open land and vegetation, these areas become warmer forming an “island” of heat. Los Angeles County experiences more frequent and excessive heat due to climate change. This is currently a major risk and with unmitigated GHG emissions increasing heat will lead to even greater health issues, increased energy demand for cooling, and other strains on infrastructure.
4.2.2 Flooding
Flooding in Los Angeles County occurs due to extreme rainfall events causing flash floods, riverine flooding, and increased surface water. Coastal areas in Los Angeles County are vulnerable to sea - level rise (SLR), which exacerbates coastal hazards like floods, storm surges, and chronic erosion. Other related hazards include flooding near Figure 4.1 Sources of GHG Emissions from within Los Angeles County (LA County 2024; 2045 Climate Action Plan)
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the mouths of streams and channels, landslides, and seawater well intrusion. SLR exacerbates the impacts of high tides, storm surges, and heavy precipitation flooding, and continued SLR will lead to more life safety concerns and increased damage to property and infrastructure.
4.2.3 Drought
Prolonged droughts have become more common, affecting the water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems of Los Angeles County. Dry and wet extremes are projected to increase and are likely to cause drier periods than what the region has historically experienced.
Southern California projected to get drier, while Northern California will increase in temperature. This will result in loss of snowpack within the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, meaning less water for all Californians including farmers, residents, and utilities.
The State Water Resource Control Board proclaimed several water conservation emergency regulations due to severe drought conditions that requires commercial, industrial, and residential conservation efforts. Proclamations include:
• January 4, 2022: State Water Board adopted the prohibited wasteful water uses emergency regulation
• May 24, 2022: the State Water Board adopted the emergency regulation to ban decorative grass watering like non-functional turf irrigation • December 7, 2022: the State Water Board readopted the prohibited wasteful water uses emergency regulation,
• May 26, 2023: the State Water Board readopted the emergency regulation to ban decorative grass watering.
4.2.4 Wildfire
A wildfire is an unplanned and uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation.
These fires can easily spread beyond the natural areas primarily involving and have a potential to cause damages outside of the perimeter. Wildfire probability depends on local weather conditions, outdoor activities and any preceding conditions (e.g., lots of rain leading to vegetation growth and then drying conditions), and a potential ignition (e.g., lightning strike, arson, debris burning, electrical equipment failure, car tailpipe, etc.). The frequency and intensity of wildfires has increased driven by higher County of Los Angeles
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temperatures, lower precipitation, lower relative humidity, and prolonged droughts.
These events have caused loss of life, destroy and/or damage to property, infrastructure, the environment and pose greater risks due to historical development patterns. The timeline of major wildfire events and acreage burned in Los Angeles County is listed at Section 6.2 of the plan.
4.3 Climate Mitigation Strategies
Los Angeles County is actively addressing climate change and implementing hazard mitigation strategies to reduce its impacts and build long -term resilience. The County faces increasing risks from excessive heat, wildfires, droughts, floods, and sea-level rise, all of which threaten communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.
To address many of these challenges, the County has developed comprehensive climate plans and strategies that integrate climate adaptation, sustainable land use, emergency preparedness, and environmental conservation. By enforcing building codes, investing in green infrastructure, and strengthening community preparedness, Los Angeles County aims to minimize risks and enhance disaster resilience. These efforts align with state and federal climate policies and are designed to protect both current and future g enerations while encouraging a more sustainable and livable environment for all.
4.3.1 Climate Resilience Plans and Actions
• Los Angeles County 2045 Climate Action Plan (2045 CAP): Establishes aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
• Water Conservation & Drought Resilience Measures: Implements mandatory water restrictions, promotes rainwater harvesting, and expands groundwater recharge and water recycling projects.
• Wildfire Mitigation & Vegetation Management Programs: Enforces Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) codes, increases forest management techniques, aligned with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) principles and practices of our native indigenous communities , and strengthens fire -resistant building and landscape requirements.
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• Green Infrastructure & Urban Cooling Initiatives: Expands tree planting aligned with TEK principles and practices , investigates removing hard (paved) surfaces, and planting groundcover, utilizes and promotes public cooling centers and home heat preparedness, and encourages the use of reflective “cool” roofing and surfaces to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. • Heat Action Plan: Develops strategies to reduce the adverse health impacts of excessive heat through public shade structures, cooling centers, building codes, and increased public awareness campaigns for all susceptible to extreme heat.
These strategic actions reflect Los Angeles County’s commitment to tackling climate change. By integrating proactive policies, indigenous-informed practices, community- driven solutions, and resilient infrastructure, Los Angeles County, is not only mitigating current risks but also preparing for a future where communities can thrive in an ever - changing dynamic environment.
4.4 Climate Change Conclusion
Through proactive policies and community engagement, Los Angeles County strives to navigate the complexities of a changing climate and safeguard its people, environment, infrastructure and economies. This approach helps minimize the risks and impacts associated with climate-related hazards. Addressing climate change in hazard mitigation help enhance safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
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5 Integrating Access and
Functional Needs (AFN)
into Hazard Mitigation
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5.1 AFN Introduction
Modern hazard mitigation planning increasingly recognizes that resilient communities must address the needs of all residents —including those with access and functional needs (AFN). Historically, individuals with disabilities (i.e. including but not limited to, youth, those economically depressed, pregnant, etc.) , chronic health conditions, language barriers, or transportation disadvantages have been underrepresented in emergency planning. As evidenced by the best practices for stakeholder inclusion and further supported by national preparedness frameworks, integrating AFN considerations leads to plans that are more inclusive and effective. By proactively engaging AFN populations and support agencies in every phase, from preparedness through recovery, a hazard mitigation plan can reduce losses, improve evacuation and sheltering outcomes, and build trust between emergency management agencies and the communities they serve.
5.2 Inclusion of AFN and Vulnerable Populations in Planning A major component of effective mitigation planning is a “whole community” approach.
Incorporating AFN voices into the planning process is crucial because these stakeholders offer real-world insights into the challenges they face during emergencies. Key steps to this process include, but are not limited to:
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure that representatives from disability advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and service providers (such as local health departments and transportation agencies) are engaged early in the planning process. Their firsthand experiences help identify practical barriers that might otherwise be overlooked.
• Public Participation: Incorporating public stakeholders through meetings, surveys, and other outreach to capture the diverse needs of AFN populations.
This input is vital to overcoming historical marginalization and ensuring that mitigation actions are relevant and equitable to the entire population. • Ongoing Interagency Collaboration: Develop a hazard mitigation planning advisory committee and interagency working groups that include AFN stakeholders. These groups can guide both the planning process and the review of existing plans, ensuring that AFN issues are fully integrated from the outset.
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5.2.1 Integrating AFN into the Overall AHMP
Integrating AFN considerations is not a stand -alone task; it must be interlaced throughout the entire hazard mitigation planning process. This includes:
• Risk Assessments: Incorporate AFN data into all risk assessments to ensure that the specific vulnerabilities of these populations are reflected in hazard maps and vulnerability index data.
• Mitigation Strategy Development: Ensure that every mitigation action is examined for its impact on AFN populations. For example, when planning for flood control or wildfire prevention projects, review how these projects can be improved to meet the needs of people with access and functional needs. • Plan Review and Update: Ensure planning processes include regular AFN review and updates. Includes but not limited to:
o Surveys of community needs
o Consultations with AFN advisory groups
o Integration of new technological or infrastructural solutions • Funding and Resource Allocation: Clearly identify funding streams and resource commitments for AFN -specific projects. This could involve targeted grants from federal programs (e.g., Hazard Mitigation Assistance), state funding dedicated to accessible infrastructure improvements, and loca l resources such as the Productivity Investment Fund that can be accessed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of County operations.
5.3 Assessment of AFN Needs
Understanding the specific needs of AFN populations requires both quantitative and qualitative approaches:
• Data Collection and Risk Assessment: Use existing resources, community surveys, outreach and risk assessments to help identify the number and types of individuals with AFN at the local community level. Evaluate the regional geographic distribution, vulnerabilities, and specific requirements before and after emergencies.
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• Frameworks for Analysis: Adopt structured methodologies such as C‐MIST (Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support, Safety, and Transportation) to assess/ document AFN requirements.
• C-MIST Explanation
o Communication: Individuals with hearing, vision, cognitive, or speech limitations may require alternative communication methods to receive or express information during emergencies.
o Medical / Health Needs: People with complex medical conditions rely on medications, medical equipment, or specialized care to maintain their health and prevent complications.
o Independence: Those who use mobility devices, assistive technology, or service animals need uninterrupted access to maintain their independence and daily functions.
o Supervision & Safety: Some individuals require continuous support for safety, comfort, or emotional well-being, including those with memory issues, psychiatric conditions, or intellectual disabilities. o Transportation: Individuals without personal transportation or with mobility limitations need accessible and reliable options, especially in emergencies and evacuations.
• Integrating Vulnerability Assessments: Leverage tools from local climate vulnerability assessments and hazard mitigation plan reviews to identify areas where AFN populations overlap with high‐risk zones (e.g., flood plains,
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wildfire-prone areas). This integration helps prioritize mitigation actions in regions where vulnerable populations are most exposed.
5.4 Coordination with AFN Support Agencies
Effective mitigation planning requires robust coordination with both governmental and nongovernmental agencies that serve AFN populations. Best practices include:
• Formal Partnerships: Establish relationships and partnerships with agencies such as public health departments, social services, transportation authorities, community-based organizations, and disability advocacy organizations. These partnerships ensure that there is clear, ong oing communication and that roles and responsibilities are delineated before, during, and after disasters. • Joint Training and Exercises: Conduct regular joint meetings, and exercises that include AFN components and identify additional resources to support the needs of the AFN community. These actions will help prepare all stakeholders to work together during a crisis and help identify gaps in current plans. • Outreach and Information Dissemination: Ensure that all information, both pre-incident preparedness messages, response measures and post -incident recovery plans are accessible to all audiences. This includes using multiple languages, various communication formats (e.g., large -print, audio, sign - language, and digital formats), and culturally appropriate messaging to reach all segments of the community.
5.5 AFN Conclusion
A hazard mitigation plan builds a foundation for a resilient, inclusive community. By ensuring that AFN and other vulnerable populations are included in every phase of planning, from initial stakeholder engagement to the development of tailored mitigation actions and coordinated response strategies, communities can minimize disaster impacts and foster long -term resilience. Drawing on best practices from national frameworks and local planning guides, and by implementing ADA -compliant shelter operations , emergency managers can create a plan that truly serves every member of the community. This inclusive approach not only saves lives and property during disasters but also strengthens community trust and the overall effectiveness of emergency management efforts.
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6 Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment
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All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
6.1 Hazard Identification Overview
The hazard identification and risk assessment process provide a foundation for Los Angeles County’s hazard mitigation planning efforts by identifying, profiling, and assessing the risks associated with natural, technological, and human-caused hazards.
This section builds on the framework established in the 2020 Haza rd Mitigation Plan, incorporating insights from the 2023 Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan (OAEOP), the 2024 Los Angeles Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), the Los Angeles County Climate Vulnerability Assessment , the State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Risk Index.
Based on the se sources hazards were included and addressed in the 2025 AHMP according to their frequency, severity and impact to Los Angeles County , see below Table 6 -1. Hazards that did not meet the threshold of moderate risk will not be prioritized within the plan. Additionally, three new natural hazards (Extreme Heat, Drought, and Severe Wind/Tornado) and four human-caused hazards (Mass Violence, Cyber Incidents, Transportation Incidents, and Public Health Emergencies) are included in the 2025 AHMP .
Table 6-1 Hazard Inclusion/ Omission
Hazard Comment
Earthquake Hazard is included in the plan due to its high frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Wildfire Hazard is included in the plan due to its high frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Heat Wave Hazard is included in the plan due to its high frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Tornado Hazard is included in the plan due to its high frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County. Tornado is incorporated with the Severe Wind/ Tornado hazard profile.
Land Movement Hazard is included in the plan due to its high frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
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Hazard Comment
Lightning Hazard is included in the plan due to its high frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County. Lightening is incorporated with the Wildfire and Flooding hazard profiles.
Flooding Hazard is included in the plan due to its frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County. The Flooding hazard profile incorporates both Riverine and Coastal Flooding.
Drought Hazard is included in the plan due to its frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Strong Wind Hazard is included in the plan due to its frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County. Strong Wind is incorporated with the Severe Wind and Tornado hazard profile.
Tsunami Hazard is included in the plan due to its frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Winter Weather Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its minimal frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Hail Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its minimal frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Avalanche Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its minimal frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Cold Wave Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its lack of frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Hurricane Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its lack of frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Ice Storm Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its lack of frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
Volcanic Activity Hazard is omitted from the plan due to its lack of frequency, severity, and impact to Los Angeles County.
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Los Angeles County faces a wide range of hazards due to its geographic diversity, population density, and economic significance. The following hazards were identified and prioritized from the previously mentioned sources based on historical occurrences, potential impacts, and future risks:
1. Wildfire
2. Earthquake
3. Extreme Heat
4. Drought
5. Flooding
6. Dam Failure
7. Land Movement
8. Tsunami
9. Severe Wind and Tornado
10. Mass Violence
11. Cybersecurity Incidents
12. Transportation Incidents
13. Public Health Emergencies
Among these hazards, six were identified to be potentially exacerbated by climate change including wildfire, extreme heat, drought, flooding, land movement, and severe wind and tornadoes. Additional human-caused hazards were included based on the 2024 THIRA including mass violence, cybersecurity incidents, transportation incidents, and public health emergencies. The results of the public Personal Disaster Impact Survey validated that these hazards are of significant concern to county residents. A risk assessment table comparing hazards to critical infrastructure is in Appendix C.
Table 6-2 Changes in Development and Vulnerability
Hazard Change (Increase/ Decrease) Reason
Earthquake No Change While new construction adheres to
modern seismic codes aging
infrastructure in high seismic zones
remain vulnerable. Continued
population growth in older
neighborhoods with limited
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Hazard Change (Increase/ Decrease) Reason
retrofitting increases overall
exposure.
Wildfire
(Lightning)
Increase in Vulnerability Urban expansion into Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI) areas has
increased the number of homes at
risk. Post 2020 development in
high fire severity zones has
continued, though defensible
space regulations and new fire-
safe planning are improving
resilience for new builds.
Extreme Heat Increase in Vulnerability Population density, urban heat islands, and development in inland
valleys increases exposure. Older
multi-family units without air
conditioning remain a concern.
More outdoor workers and people
experiencing homelessness (PEH)
add to vulnerable population.
Land
Movement
Stable to Slight Increase Most new development avoids
known landslide-prone areas due
to zoning and geotechnical review.
However, climate-driven
precipitation variability and
wildfires continue to destabilize
slopes in developed areas.
Flooding
(Lightning)
Increase in Vulnerability New impervious surfaces from
development increase stormwater
runoff. Older flood control
infrastructure is strained under
heavier, more frequent rain events.
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Hazard Change (Increase/ Decrease) Reason
Drought Increase in Vulnerability Continued population growth and water demand in arid and semi-
arid zones has outpaced gains in
conservation. Agricultural
vulnerability persists in high desert
areas.
Severe Wind
and Tornado
Increase in Vulnerability Los Angeles County is
experiencing more frequent and
intense wind events, including
tornadoes. As urban development
expands, tree canopies and
overhead utilities in densely
developed areas continue to
contribute to cascading hazards. In
response, efforts are underway to
underground utility lines in high-
risk areas.
Tsunami Stable Revised tsunami inundation maps
have refined the at-risk zones. New
developments in coastal areas are
largely outside the updated hazard
areas or comply with stricter
coastal building codes.
Dam Failure Stable/ Slight Increase While no new major dams have been constructed in recent years,
downstream development
continues to increase population
and critical infrastructure exposure
within inundation zones.
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6.2 Wildfire
6.2.1 Nature
Wildfires are fast -moving, uncontrolled
fires that consume vegetation and rapidly
spread, often threatening lives, structures,
and infrastructure. These fires can be
ignited by natural causes, such as
lightning, or human activities, including
unattended ca mpfires, downed power
lines, and arson. The increasing frequency,
duration, and intensity of wildfires in Los
Angeles County are possibly linked to the
changing climate, with hotter
temperatures, prolonged droughts, and
reduced humidity levels making the
region highly susceptible to fires.
Factors Influencing Wildfire Behavior
• Topography: Fires spread
more rapidly on steep slopes
and are often driven by the
Santa Ana winds.
• Fuel Load: Dense, dry
vegetation and high tree mortality increase fire intensity. • Weather Conditions: High temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity elevate fire risk, with the changing climate contributing to a lengthened fire season.
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Wildfires also create secondary hazards such as poor air quality, landslides, flooding, and debris flows—especially in areas with recent burn scars where vegetation loss increases soil instability.
6.2.2 Location
Los Angeles County is one of the most wildfire -prone regions in the United States.
Based on the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, significant wildfire risk exists in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, Palos Verdes Hills, and Puente Hills. The 2024 THIRA and Los Angeles County Climate Vulnerability Assessment identify an increasing risk to communities located in or near these high-risk areas.
Los Angeles County has three primary wildfire management zones:
• Federal Responsibility Areas (FRAs): Lands administered or controlled by the federal government where federal agencies have administrative and protection responsibility for wildfires.
• State Responsibility Areas (SRAs): Wildland areas where CAL FIRE is responsible for suppression efforts.
• Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs): Developed regions where local agencies, such as Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), provide fire protection.
For a better visual representation of this Wildfire Hazard within the LA County planning area, please reference Appendix A. Included in Appendix A are several Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for reference.
6.2.3 Extent
According to CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, Los Angeles County contains:
• 386.06 square miles (8.11%) classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) in Local Responsibility Areas, LRAs.
• 625.01 square miles (13.13%) classified as Very High (FHSZ) in State Responsibility Areas, SRAs.
Wildfires pose a significant threat not only through the immediate damage they cause to lives, property, and natural resources, but also through the secondary hazards that continue after the flames are extinguished.
In the aftermath of a fire, communities often face increased risks of flash floods, debris flows, and degraded air quality. These post -fire impacts can compound the initial destruction, placing additional strain on infrastructure, health systems, and recov ery efforts.
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6.2.4 History
Los Angeles County has experienced numerous devastating wildfires in recent decades, including:
• Canyon Fire (1968) – Burned 22,000 acres, destroyed 147 homes, and led to mass evacuations.
• Old Topanga Fire (1993) – Consumed 16,516 acres, destroying 388 structures and causing three fatalities.
• Sayre Fire (2008) – Destroyed 489 structures, including over 600 mobile homes.
• Station Fire (2009) – The largest fire in Los Angeles County history, burning 160,577 acres, destroying 209 structures, and causing two firefighter fatalities.
• Woolsey Fire (2018) – Burned 96,949 acres, destroyed 1,643 structures, and resulted in three fatalities.
• Bobcat Fire (2020) – Scorched 115,796 acres, destroying 171 structures and damaging numerous infrastructures in the Angeles National Forest. • Palisades Fire (2025) – Resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, burning 23,707 acres, destroyed approximately 6,833 structures, and causing 12 civilian fatalities.
• Eaton Fire (2025) – Resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, burning 14,021 acres, destroying approximately 9,418 structures, and causing 17 civilian fatalities.
These fires highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger mitigation and preparedness efforts.
The Los Angeles County area has experienced federally declared wildfires and are shown in the table below. There have been no state proclamations for wildfires in the last five years.
Federally Declared Wildfire/Fire Management Assistance Declaration in Los Angeles County from 1/1/2020 to 3/28/2025
Date Incident Name No. Category
1/8/2025 California Wildfires and
Winds
4856 Federal Declaration
1/8/2025 California Eaton Fire 5550 Fire Management Assistance Declaration 1/8/2025 California Hurst Fire 5551 Fire Management Assistance Declaration 1/7/2025 California Palisades Fire 5549 Fire Management Assistance Declaration 12/10/2024 California Franklin Fire 5548 Fire Management Assistance Declaration 9/11/2024 California Bridge Fire 5537 Fire Management Assistance Declaration 10/16/2020 California Wildfires 4569 Federal Declaration 9/13/2020 California Bobcat Fire 5374 Fire Management Assistance Declaration County of Los Angeles
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6.2.5 Probability
With several guaranteed wildfires each year, the probability of wildfire ignition in Los Angeles County is gradually increasing, driven largely by climate change. There is a 100% chance of a fire occurring each year within the geographic planning area.
Historically, wildfires occurred between June and November, but recent years have shown a year -round fire season due to hotter, drier conditions and more intense weather variability.
Longer dry periods, reduced humidity, and increased temperatures, coupled with historic drought and vegetation die -off, have created critically dry fuel beds. These events make even small ignition sources capable of generating major wildfires.
Santa Ana winds continue to serve as a major accelerant, contributing to rapid fire spread and severe fire behavior. When combined with urban encroachment into fire- prone areas, these conditions elevate both the frequency and destructiveness of wildfires.
Projections from the 2024 THIRA and the LA County Climate Vulnerability Assessment confirm that wildfire probability will continue to rise unless significant fuel reduction, land use planning, and climate adaptation strategies are implemented across all jurisdictions.
The 2024 THIRA estimates that:
• Over 1.2 million residents live in high-risk wildfire zones. • Communities near the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) are at the greatest risk, especially those with limited evacuation routes, and the Access and Functional Needs community.
• Vulnerable populations, including seniors, low-income households, and people with disabilities, face heightened challenges during evacuations.
6.2.6 Vulnerability
Los Angeles County faces high wildfire vulnerability due to its extensive Wildland - Urban Interface (WUI), with over 1.2 million residents that live in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs). These communities are particularly susceptible because many homes lack defensible space, fire-resistant construction, or adequate emergency access.
Vulnerable populations including (but not limited to): seniors, individuals with disabilities, low -income households, and those dependent on electrical medical equipment, face significant evacuation and health risks during wildfire events, especially in WUI communities with limited ingress/egress and high fuel loads.
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Contextual Overview
Very High FHSZ in LRA jurisdiction includes dense hillside residential areas under local fire authority responsibility. These are some of the most vulnerable communities due to terrain, vegetation, and constrained emergency access.
Critical infrastructure is also at risk, with wildfire exposure threatening fire stations, law enforcement facilities, hospitals, utilities, transportation corridors, and emergency communication systems. Disruption to these essential services during wildfi re events can compound vulnerabilities and delay response and recovery. For a better understanding of critical infrastructure at risk please see Appendix C.
Total Facilities Affected:
• Very High LRA: 120
• High SRA: 8
• Very High SRA: 76
With the continued expansion of developments into fire -prone areas has significantly increased wildfire risk. Many homes in the WUI lack proper defensible space and fire - resistant building materials, making them particularly vulnerable. Additionally, limit ed evacuation routes in some WUI communities create challenges for emergency response and evacuations. Stricter zoning laws, building regulations, and vegetation management policies are the best practices to reduce risk.
SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT BREAKDOWN
Supervisorial District Population in High-Risk
Wildfire Zones
Percentage of District
Population
District 1 150,000 12%
District 2 75,000 6%
District 3 425,000 30%
District 4 250,000 20%
District 5 500,000 32%
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Department/
Agency
Very High FHSZ
(LRA)
High FHSZ (SRA) Very High FHSZ
(SRA)
Animal Care and
Control 1 0 1
Fire Department 39 1 14
Health Services 1 0 0
Library 7 1 2
LACMA / NHM 1 0 0
Office of
Education 3 0 3
Other County
Offices 0 0 0
Parks &
Recreation 13 1 12
Public Health 52 4 41
Public Works 0 0 0
Sheriff’s
Department 3 1 3
Wildfires threaten essential infrastructure, including:
• Transportation: Damage to roads and bridges affects evacuation and emergency response.
• Utilities: Power lines, gas pipelines, and water infrastructure, including dams, are vulnerable to fire damage.
• Emergency Services: Public safety and healthcare facilities near wildfire- prone areas face operational disruptions.
• Public Services: Parks, libraries, schools, and other public areas could be lost or damaged.
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New emerging patterns suggest that climate change may be influencing wildfire risks in Los Angeles County through:
• Extending fire seasons: Historically, peak fire season occurred from June to November, but fires are now starting and burning year-round. • Increasing fuel dryness: Higher temperatures and prolonged droughts reduce vegetation moisture levels, making fires more intense. • Raising fire frequency: Hotter, drier conditions contribute to more frequent ignitions, particularly in WUI areas.
Extent of Exposure
• Total Area Exposed: 243.72 sq mi
• Supervisorial Districts (SD) Impacted:
o SD3: 117.95 sq mi (27.29%)
o SD5: 95.61 sq mi (3.36%)
o SD1: 16.23 sq mi (4.60%)
o SD4: 9.10 sq mi (4.27%)
o SD2: 4.83 sq mi (1.33%)
For a better visual representation of this Wildfire Hazard within the LA County planning area, please reference Appendix A for several Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps.
6.2.7 Impacts
Impacts for past fires vary depending on scope and severity, including the January 2025 fires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, resulted in widespread destruction across Los Angeles County, burning over 37,000 acres and destroying more than 16,000 structures combined, with nearly 30 civilian fatalities. These events caused cascading impacts such as prolonged power outages, degraded water pressure affecting firefighting and residential supply, and overwhelmed emergency services.
Transportation routes and communications infrastructure were disrupted .
Communities, especially in the Wildland -Urban Interface (WUI), experienced major economic losses due to the destruction of homes, businesses, and public facilities.
Post-fire hazards like debris flows and landslides further compounded recovery challenges, with water infrastructure contamination and sedimentation requiring emergency remediation. The scope and severity of these fires underscore the increasing vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the urgent need for enhanced mitigation strategies across high-risk zones.
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Problem Statement
Many hillside communities within LRA Very High FHSZ zones face critical access and water supply issues during fires. These areas often include aging structures and narrow roads, complicating firefighting and evacuation. Investments in defensible space, local code enforcement, and community wildfire protection planning are vital to saving lives and minimizing losses.
6.2.8 Mitigation and Preparedness
Los Angeles County is implementing a multi-agency approach to mitigate wildfire risks.
Key strategies include:
• Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs): Strengthening fire prevention measures in high-risk areas.
• Community Preparedness: Educating residents on wildfire readiness through outreach campaigns, emergency alert systems, and neighborhood preparedness programs.
• Defensible Space Requirements: Enforcing brush clearance around structures.
• Enhanced Building Codes: Promoting fire-resistant materials for new developments.
• Vegetation Management: Reducing fuel loads through prescribed burns and hazardous tree removal.
• Evacuation Planning: Improving coordination between OEM, LASD, LACoFD, and other jurisdictions to ensure clear evacuation policies and procedures.
Additional details on the County’s proactive and ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk, including long -term planning, infrastructure hardening, and community -based initiatives, is located in the dedicated section titled “Mitigation Strategies.”
6.2.9 Summary
Wildfires remain one of the most significant hazards in Los Angeles County, posing risks to life, property, and critical infrastructure. The expansion of development into WUI areas, increasing fire severity due to climate change, and ongoing challenges wit h evacuation and mitigation require proactive, coordinated efforts across agencies.
Strengthening fire prevention policies, improving emergency response coordination, and integrating climate adaptation measures are essential to enhancing wildfire resilience for Los Angeles County.
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6.3 Earthquake
6.3.1 Nature
Earthquakes occur due to the sudden release
of energy in the Earth's crust, generating
seismic waves that cause ground shaking.
These events, often triggered by movement
along fault lines, vary in intensity depending
on factors such as magnitude, depth, and
proximity to populated areas. In addition to
the initial shaking, secondary hazards such as
surface faulting, liquefaction, landslides ,
tsunamis, and aftershocks can worsen the
damage. Los Angeles County, located in a
highly active seismic region, faces significant
risks from these natural events, necessitating
extensive mitigation efforts and
preparedness planning.
• The most common effects of
earthquakes include violent shaking,
structural damage, and disruptions to infrastructure.
• Secondary effects can include, but are not limited to, utilities outages, traffic congestion and transportation systems being impassable, and an increase of fire risks, from broken gas and water lines.
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• Earthquakes occur with little to no warning, making preparedness essential for minimizing loss of life and property.
6.3.2 Location
Los Angeles County is one of the most seismically active regions in the United States, with multiple active fault systems capable of generating destructive earthquakes.
Major faults include:
• San Andreas Fault – Capable of M 8.0+
• Newport-Inglewood Fault – M 7.4
• Malibu Coast Fault System – M 6.7
• San Fernando Fault – M 6.6
• Santa Monica Fault – M 7.0
• Whittier Fault – M 7.2
• Sierra Madre Fault – M 6.0-7.0
For a better visual representation of this Earthquake Hazard within LA County planning area, please reference Appendix A for earthquake fault maps.
6.3.3 Extent
According to US Geological Survey, there are two types of earthquake measurements, magnitude (Mw) and intensity (i). Magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the source of the earthquake. Intensity scale help measure impact on people and structures.
Earthquake impact is based on magnitude scale is as follows:
• Great—Mw > 8,
• Major—Mw = 7.0 – 7.9
• Strong—Mw = 6.0 – 6.9
• Moderate—Mw = 5.0 – 5.9
• Light—Mw = 4.0 – 4.9
• Minor—Mw = 3.0 – 3.9
• Micro—Mw < 3
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Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is fr om I to XII, which r efers I, as not felt and XII as extreme.
Figure 6.3.1 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
Over 75% of unincorporated Los Angeles County is at risk for severe to extreme shaking in a future earthquake.
The region's dense urban environment, combined with aging infrastructure, increases the likelihood of extensive damage and prolonged recovery times.
Faults running beneath critical infrastructure corridors, including freeways and power grids, pose a significant threat to public safety and economic stability of the planning area.
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6.3.4 History
Los Angeles County has a long history of destructive earthquakes, with some of the earliest recorded events dating back to the early 19th century. The San Juan Capistrano Earthquake of 1812 (M 7.5) was among the first to be documented, causing the collapse of Mission San Juan Capistrano and resulting in 40 fatalities. Over the years, the county has experienced numerous significant quakes, including the devastating 1857 Fort Tejon Earthquake (M 7.9), the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake (M 6.6), and the infamous 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M 6.7), which caused billions in damages and led to widespread infrastructure failures. There have been no federal declarations or state proclamations for earthquakes in the last five years.
Major Earthquakes in Los Angeles County (1812 – Present) Date Magnitude Name / Location Notable Impact
December 8,
1812 7.5
San Juan
Capistrano
Earthquake
Destroyed Mission San Juan
Capistrano, killed 40 people.
December 21,
1812 7.1 West Ventura
Earthquake
Caused significant shaking in
Southern California.
January 9, 1857 7.9 Fort Tejon
Earthquake
Largest earthquake on the San
Andreas Fault; ruptured 225
miles.
July 21, 1952 7.5 Kern County
Earthquake
Strong shaking felt in Los
Angeles; major damage to
Bakersfield.
February 9, 1971 6.6 San Fernando
Earthquake
65 deaths, $553 million in
damages, collapse of Veterans
Hospital.
October 1, 1987 5.9 Whittier Narrows
Earthquake
8 deaths, 200 injuries, $358
million in damages.
February 28,
1990 5.7 Upland Earthquake 30 injuries, $12.7 million in damages.
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6.3.5 Probability
Trends in Seismic Activity
Over 163 earthquakes of M 5.0 or greater have been recorded in Southern California since 1812.
The San Andreas Fault remains the greatest seismic hazard, with a 59% chance of an M
6.7+ event in the next 30 years.
Future Earthquake Occurrence
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates the following probabilities for a major earthquake in Los Angeles County in the next 30 years:
• 60% chance of an M 6.7+ earthquake
• 46% chance of an M 7.0+ earthquake
• 31% chance of an M 7.5+ earthquake
6.3.6 Vulnerability
The county’s vulnerability to earthquakes extends beyond physical infrastructure, affecting its residents and essential services. Older buildings, particularly unreinforced masonry and soft -story structures, are at high risk of collapse, posing significant June 28, 1991 5.6 Sierra Madre
Earthquake
1 death, 100+ injuries, $40
million in damages.
January 17, 1994 6.7 Northridge
Earthquake
57 deaths, 8,700 injuries, $40
billion in damages, freeways
collapsed.
July 29, 2008 5.5 Chino Hills
Earthquake
8 injuries, minor structural
damage.
March 28, 2014 5.1 La Habra
Earthquake
Few injuries, $10 million in
damages.
July 6, 2019 7.1 Ridgecrest
Earthquake
Widespread damage in
Southern California,
infrastructure impacts.
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dangers to residents and businesses. Seismic retrofitting, early warning systems, and stricter building codes have improved resilience, but vulnerabilities remain in older structures and critical infrastructure.
Critical Infrastructure at Risk
• Highways, bridges, and transportation routes: A major earthquake could severely disrupt mobility, shipment of goods and services while also delaying emergency response and evacuations. Major highways such as, but not limited to the I-5, I-10, US-101, CA-60, CA-14, I-405, I-710, and I-105 could be impacted. • Energy grids and water system: Disruptions could leave millions without power and clean water.
• Hospitals and emergency services: 325 hospitals and 1,299 fire stations in the Los Angeles County could suffer functional impairments. • Unreinforced masonry and soft -story buildings: Many older structures are highly susceptible to collapse during strong ground shaking.
County Specific Critical Facilities Affected:
• Fire Department: 314 facilities (93.18%)
• Public Works: 201 facilities (87.39%)
• Health Services: 56 facilities (85.71%)
• Public Health: 37 facilities (92.50%)
• Libraries: 78 branches (89.66%)
• Parks: 179 (97.79%)
• Education: 70 (85.37%)
Los Angeles County lies at the intersection of multiple major fault lines, including the San Andreas Fault. According to the hazard matrix, the risk of violent ground shaking is prevalent countywide, particularly in urban centers and regions with critical infrastructure. The potential consequences of violent seismic shaking include widespread structural damage, disruption of services, economic losses, and human casualties.
Populations at Risk
• The THIRA estimates over 2 million residents could be significantly impacted in a major seismic event, particularly those in high-risk seismic zones.
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• People Experiencing Homeles sness (PEH) populations: 75,000+ unhoused individuals in Los Angeles County live in areas at risk of violent shaking. • Low-income and individuals with access and functional needs (AFN): For more details on impacted population please see Section 5.
Extent of Exposure
• Total Area Exposed: 3,041.91 sq mi
• Supervisorial Districts (SD) Impacted:
o SD5: 1,950.78 sq mi (69.50%)
o SD3: 379.41 sq mi (87.99%)
o SD1: 349.17 sq mi (98.95%)
o SD2: 362.95 sq mi (99.99%)
o SD4: 210.92 sq mi (99.10%)
6.3.7 Impacts
Los Angeles County has a long history of experiencing damaging earthquakes due to its location along multiple active fault systems, including the San Andreas, Newport - Inglewood, and Whittier faults. Historic earthquakes such as the 1971 San Fernando (M6.6) and 1994 Northridge (M6.7) events caused catastrophic losses. The San Fernando earthquake resulted in 65 deaths, the collapse of hospital structures, and over $550 million in damages, while the Northridge earthquake caused 57 deaths, more than 8,700 injur ies, and an estimated $40 billion in economic losses, including widespread infrastructure failures such as collapsed freeways and damaged utility systems.
Impacts from future major seismic events are projected to be even more severe due to population density, aging infrastructure, and increasing development in seismically vulnerable areas. Over 75% of unincorporated Los Angeles County is at risk of severe to extreme ground shaking. Current estimates su ggest that a large-magnitude earthquake could displace up to 2.2 million people, injure or kill thousands, and result in over $200 billion in combined economic losses, including $113 billion in property damage and $68 billion in business interruptions.
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The County’s critical systems; power, water, transportation, healthcare, and communications, are especially vulnerable. A major earthquake could impair up to 325 hospitals and 1,299 fire stations and disrupt critical infrastructure for millions.
Populations with heightened vulnerability include the 75,000+ people experiencing homelessness, those with access and functional needs, and residents of older, unreinforced masonry and soft-story structures.
Without sufficient mitigation, a future earthquake could result in cascading failures across multiple sectors and prolong the County’s recovery for years. These risks highlight the urgency for continued investment in seismic retrofitting, stricter enforcement of building codes, expanding statewide early warning systems, and equitable preparedness programs targeting at-risk vulnerable populations. • Casualties and injuries: Depending on the time of day and location, thousands could be injured or killed in a severe earthquake.
• Economic disruption: A significant earthquake could halt business operations, damage supply chains, and force thousands into unemployment. • Housing displacement: An estimated 2.2 million residents could be displaced, with tens of thousands requiring emergency sheltering.
Economic Impact
A major earthquake in Los Angeles County could result in over $200 billion in economic losses, with a total of $118 trillion-dollar exposure. Losses can include:
• $68 billion in business interruptions
• $51 billion in lost economic activity
• $113 billion in property damages
Problem Statement
The pervasive exposure of Los Angeles County to violent earthquake shaking presents a systemic threat to public safety, economic stability, and essential services. Nearly all major departments and infrastructure elements are located within high-shaking hazard zones. The extensive reach across all five Supervisorial Districts (SD) amplifies the challenge, highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting, public education, preparedness programs, and resilient design policies. Failure to address this hazard could lead to catastrophic loss of life and functionality in the event of a major seismic event.
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6.3.8 Mitigation and Preparedness
Efforts to reduce earthquake risks in Los Angeles County include strengthening building codes, enhancing emergency preparedness, and retrofitting vulnerable structures.
Key efforts to mitigate earthquake risks include:
• Strengthening building codes and enforcing retrofitting laws • Upgrading critical infrastructure
• Expanding public education and early warning systems
• Enhancing emergency response planning
By proactively implementing these measures, Los Angeles County aims to reduce casualties, infrastructure damage, and economic losses in future seismic events.
Seismic Retrofitting Programs
• Soft story retrofit program : Mandates seismic upgrades for older apartment buildings.
• Non-ductile concrete building retrofits : Strengthens older commercial and residential structures.
• Hospitals and emergency facilities retrofitting : Ensures critical services remain operational post-earthquake.
Policy and Regulatory Measures
• Assembly Bill (AB) 1857: Strengthens building standards for multi -story structures.
• AB 2681: Requires cities and counties to inventory vulnerable buildings. • Updated California Building Code (CBC): Enforces stricter seismic design criteria for new construction.
• Public Education : Teaching to Drop, Cover and Hold On; the household preparedness checklist, educate residents on emergency response, retrofitting, and disaster preparedness.
• Early Warning/ ShakeAlert System: Provides real-time earthquake early warnings to residents via mobile alerts and public messaging.
• Public earthquake drills : Annual Great California ShakeOut encourages preparedness.
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6.3.9 Summary
Los Angeles County remains at high risk for devastating earthquakes, with scientific projections indicating a strong likelihood of a significant seismic event in the coming decades. The region has experienced numerous historic earthquakes, and the potential for future large-scale disasters remains ever -present. While advances in engineering, emergency preparedness, and mitigation efforts have improved resilience, challenges persist, particularly regarding aging infrastructure and vulnerable communities. Continued investments in retrofitting, public education, and early warning systems will be critical in minimizing casualties, economic losses, and recovery challenges in future earthquakes.
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6.4 Extreme Heat
6.4.1 Nature
Extreme heat refers to prolonged periods of
high temperatures, often accompanied by
high humidity, posing significant health risks
such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The
urban heat island (UHI) effect, prevalent in
densely built areas like Los Angeles County,
intensifies these conditions by absorbing
and retaining heat. The changing climate
conditions through time in the region
exacerbate for the rising of daily temperature
and for the increasing of extreme heat days
in the County. This leads to health issues,
increase energy demand, and strain on
infrastructure.
6.4.2 Location
Los Angeles County is particularly susceptible to extreme heat due to its diverse geography and urban density. All of Los Angeles County may experience extreme heat, nonetheless i nland regions, including the valleys and high desert areas experience
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higher temperatures compared to coastal areas. The urban heat island (UHI) effect can increase temperatures in cities and developed areas than the less developed areas .
Urban centers with extensive concrete and asphalt surfaces further amplify heat retention, contributing to elevated temperatures and increased UHI effect in the county.
6.4.3 Extent
The severity of heat events in Los Angeles County has been increasing. Projections indicate a significant rise in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, with inland areas potentially experiencing temperatures exceeding 110°F. The urban heat island effect can cause urban areas to be several degrees warmer than their rural counterparts, exacerbating the impact of heat waves. The chart below shows the levels of heat wave impacts used to measure heatwave severity. HeatRisk, an experimental measure developed by the NWS in collaboration with the CDC, classifies heat events by their impact on human health. It ranges from Green (0) which is little or no risk to Magenta (4), which means extreme heat with no overnight relief.
Category Figure 6.4.1 Risk of Heat-Related Impacts
Green
0 Little to no risk from expected heat.
Yellow
1 Minor - This level of heat affects primarily those individuals extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
Orange
2 Moderate - This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
Impacts possible in some health systems and in heat-sensitive industries.
Red
3 Major - This level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in some health systems, heat -sensitive industries and infrastructure.
Magenta
4 Extreme - This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.
National Weather Service (NWS), 2024
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August, being the hottest month of the year that the planning area experiences the Figure 6.4.2 below shows, the average high temperature for August 2024 in Los Angeles County. As shown, the temperature varies by location but remains higher than average monthly temperature.
Figure 6.4.2, Mean Max Temperature for August 2024, National Weather Service
6.4.4 History
Because of the changing climate conditions and the geographical location, Los Angeles County has been experiencing extreme heat waves in the past years. It has a history of extreme heat events, with temperatures frequently reaching 100 degrees or more, especially during the summer months. In some cases, these extreme heat events are record-breaking heat waves surpassing their all-time highs.
Extreme Heat events include:
• August 2020: A severe heatwave led to widespread power outages, affecting nearly 500,000 residents.
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• September 2020: The San Fernando Valley recorded a record high temperature of 121°F.
• August 2022: A record-breaking heatwave in late summer exceeded 100°F • September 2024: A severe September heatwave pushed temperatures 10 - 20°F above normal, hitting 109°F in Long Beach
The History of Extreme heat events highlight the increasing trend of extreme heat occurrences in the region. There have been no federal declarations or state proclamations for extreme heat in the last five years. Even though there were no declared extreme heat emergencies, the county has issued several heat alerts and taken measures to protect residents from the impacts of heat waves during these periods.
6.4.5 Probability
Extreme heat events are an annual occurrence in Los Angeles County, though severity of such events vary per year based on other conditions, such as El Niño. Climate models project a substantial increase in the likelihood of extreme heat events in Los Angeles County. By mid-century, the county could experience more than five major heat waves annually, with some models suggesting up to tenfold increases in frequency. This heightened probability necessitates proactive mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Figure 6.4.3, Average Temperature 1900-2025, NOAA, NCEI, 2025.
6.4.6 Vulnerability
Extreme heat poses a significant and growing threat to Los Angeles County, where rising temperatures, urban heat islands, and widespread social vulnerability intersect.
Those most at risk include the elderly, low-income households lacking air conditioning, County of Los Angeles
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people experiencing homelessness (PEH), individuals with access and functional needs (AFN), and the County’s large population of outdoor and non-air -conditioned indoor workers. Infrastructure is also strained ; electricity demand spikes during heatwaves, often overwhelming the power grid and triggering outages. Water systems experience increased demand and evaporation losses, while roadways and rail lines are subject to buckling or operational delays. In recent y ears, Los Angeles County has experienced severe consequences from prolonged heat events, reinforcing the urgent need for heat resilience strategies targeting both people and critical services.
Los Angeles County–Specific Impacts and Data
• 491,600 residents experienced power outages during the August 2020 heatwave.
• 96% of the County’s 1,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines are exposed to moderate to high extreme heat risk.
• 1.7 million residents are considered highly vulnerable due to age, income, disability, or chronic health conditions.
• Over 300,000 outdoor workers are at elevated risk for heat -related illness and injury.
• Thousands of heat -related emergency visits occurred during multi -day heat events in 2020 and 2022; especially in neighborhoods with limited shade and high surface temperatures.
• 50+ cooling centers have been activated across the County during recent heatwaves to support at-risk populations.
• High heat contributes to worsened air quality, increased wildfire smoke exposure, and economic losses due to infrastructure damage, productivity decline, and rising healthcare costs.
6.4.7 Impacts
Los Angeles County has faced significant and growing impacts from extreme heatwaves over the past two decades. In August 2020, a prolonged heatwave caused rolling blackouts affecting nearly 500,000 customers, overwhelmed the state’s electrical grid, and fo rced the activation of emergency conservation protocols. That same summer, the San Fernando Valley hit 121°F, leading to widespread strain on County of Los Angeles
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HVAC systems and increased emergency room visits for heat -related illnesses. The 2022 and 2024 heatwaves brought similar conditions—temperatures over 100°F across the region led to localized transformer failures, asphalt buckling, and strain on water delivery systems due to elevated demand. During these events, outdoor workers, the elderly, and low-income residents without access to cooling systems were among the most affected. Economic activity was disrupted, with reports of business closures, service delays, and increased healthcare costs. In 2024, Long Beach reached a record 109°F, causing a spike in electricity demand and triggering emergency energy alerts across Southern California. Heat-related deaths and hospitalizations have also trended upward, part icularly in neighborhoods with low tree canopy and high impervious surfaces. These impacts underscore the need for resilient infrastructure and targeted adaptation strategies to safeguard health and essential services.
6.4.8 Mitigation and Preparedness
The most effective way to reduce the negative impacts of an extreme heat event is to develop a comprehensive heat response plan that has individual strategies to effectively manage heat waves during peak seasons of the year. The plan might include forecasting and monitoring, education and awareness, and heat wave response.
To address extreme heat, Los Angeles County has implemented several measures:
• Cooling Centers: Establishment of air -conditioned public spaces where residents can seek relief during heatwaves. These centers are facilities such as libraries, community centers, and senior centers. Residents can locate the nearest cooling center using resources provided by the county.
Additional
resources can be found at https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ • Urban Greening Initiatives: Programs aimed at increasing green spaces, planting trees, and creating parks to provide shade and reduce ambient temperatures. These efforts help mitigate the urban heat island effect. • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational initiatives to inform residents about heat risks, prevention strategies, and resources available during extreme heat events. These campaigns emphasize the importance of hydration, recognizing heat-related illness symptoms, and utilizing cooling centers. • Building Codes and Regulations: Incorporation of heat-mitigating designs and materials in new constructions and retrofits, such as cool roofs and reflective County of Los Angeles
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pavements, to reduce heat absorption. These measures aim to lower indoor temperatures and decrease reliance on air conditioning.
These strategies are designed to reduce heat exposure, protect vulnerable populations, and enhance community resilience against extreme heat events.
6.4.9 Summary
Extreme heat poses a growing threat to Los Angeles County, with increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves exacerbated by urban heat island (UHI) effects.
Understanding these impacts of extreme heat and taking appropriate precautions, residents of Los Angeles County can protect themselves and their communities from this growing climate hazard. The county has undertaken various mitigation efforts, including the establishment of cooling centers, urban greening projects, public education campaigns, and the implementation of heat -conscious building practices.
Ongoing adaptation and proactive planning are essential to safeguard public health, infrastructure, and the environment from the adverse effects of extreme heat.
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6.5 Drought
6.5.1 Nature
Drought is a prolonged period of below -
average precipitation that leads to water
shortages, impacting agriculture, ecosystems,
and urban water supplies. Unlike other natural
disasters, drought develops gradually, making
it difficult to predict and mitigate. In Los
Angeles County, droughts are a recurring issue
due to the region’s arid climate and
dependence on imported water supplies.
Drought severity is determined by its duration,
intensity, geographic extent, and water
demand. Climate change is exacerbating these
factors, leading to hotter temperatures,
reduced precipitation, and increased
evaporation rates. Wildfires are also projected
to increase in frequency and intensity during
drought season.
There are four common classifications of drought:
• Meteorological Drought: A prolonged period of below-normal precipitation.
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• Hydrological Drought: A reduction in surface and groundwater levels due to prolonged precipitation deficits.
• Agricultural Drought: A lack of soil moisture that affects crop growth and livestock sustainability.
• Socioeconomic Drought: When water shortages impact drinking water supplies, sanitation, public services, and economic activities.
6.5.2 Location
Drought is regional in nature and typically affects the entire Los Angeles County planning area. Given the county’s reliance on imported water from the Sierra Nevada snowpack and the Colorado River, reduced availability of these sources significantly increases vulnerability.
6.5.3 Extent
Drought is a recurring natural hazard that can severely impact agriculture, water supply, ecosystems, and communities. To monitor and communicate drought conditions across the United States, the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), produces weekly U.S. Drought Monitor maps. These maps categorize drought conditions into five levels based on intensity, duration, and impact on va rious sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and public health.
Each drought category reflects a different level of severity, from short -term dry conditions that may slow crop growth, to long -term, widespread water shortages that require emergency response. These classifications help decision-makers, farmers, and water managers respond appropriately to emerging or ongoing drought conditions.
See Figure 6.5.1 below for more information.
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Drought Categories and Associated Impacts:
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE IMPACTS
D4
EXCEPTIONAL
DROUGHT
• Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses
• Critical shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells
• Water emergencies and possible mandatory rationing
• Severe impacts on ecosystems and wildlife habitats
D3
EXTREME
DROUGHT
• Major agricultural losses and pasture failure
• Widespread water shortages
• Water use restrictions likely enforced
• Increased risk of wildfires and heat-related stress
D2
SEVERE
DROUGHT
• Crop and pasture losses becoming likely
• Water shortages becoming common
• Local governments may implement water restrictions
• Hydropower generation and irrigation potentially
impacted
D1
MODERATE
DROUGHT
• Noticeable damage to crops and pastures
• Water levels in streams and reservoirs begin to decline • Voluntary water-use restrictions may be requested
• Some stress on fish and wildlife populations
D0
ABNORMALLY
DRY
• Early signs of drought, with short-term dryness slowing planting and crop growth
• If improving lingering water deficits as area recovers from drought
• Pastures or vegetation may show signs of delayed
recovery
Figure 6.5.1 Drought Categories and Associated Impacts
These classifications not only help guide resource s and planning but also raise awareness about the broader consequences of prolonged dryness. Understanding the extent and severity of drought helps ensure timely response and mitigation efforts at local, state, and federal levels.
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6.5.4 History
Los Angeles County has experienced multiple significant droughts, with some lasting several years. There have been no federal declarations or state proclamations for drought in the last five years.
Figure 6.5.2, U.S. Drought Monitor, 2025
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Notable historical drought periods include:
1. 1917-1921 – A widespread drought affecting most of California.
2. 1976-1977 – One of the driest two-year periods in recorded history.
3. 1987-1992 – A six -year drought that severely impacted water supplies and agriculture.
4. 2007-2009 – A prolonged drought leading to state-imposed water restrictions.
5. 2011-2017 – The most severe drought in modern history, resulting in groundwater depletion and mandatory conservation measures.
6. 2020-2022 – California experienced a significant drought, with Los Angeles County experiencing "abnormally dry" conditions.
7. 2024-2025 – Los Angeles County is continuing to experience abnormally dry conditions, with lower average rainfalls and arid conditions.
The chart above, the Palmer Drought Severity Index , shows how drought conditions have been changing since 1895. The Palmer Drought Severity Index measures how dry or wet an area is by comparing rainfall and temperature to long-term averages. It gives a number (positive or negative) showing drought severity or excess moisture.
Los Angeles County was in some form of drought for 376 consecutive weeks from December 20, 2011, until March 14, 2019. The State and the County passed several resolutions and regulations at different times to mitigate drought impacts like water Figure 6.5.3, NOAA Drought Severity Index, 2024
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conservation regulations. There were no federally declared drought disasters in the area in the past five years in the planning area.
6.5.5 Probability
Climate scientists predict that Los Angeles County and the rest of S outhern California will get drier, while Northern California will get hotter. Rising temperatures contribute to higher evaporation rates and declining snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, a critical source of water for Southern California. The frequency of extreme droughts is expected to increase, reducing available water resources and heightening competition between urban, agricultural, and environmental needs. Long-term droughts have a 100% of occurring every ten -years, with potential for longer and more destructive drought events due to climate change.
6.5.6 Vulnerability
Los Angeles County’s 10 million residents face growing vulnerabilities during prolonged droughts, with over 75% of community water systems exhibiting at least one drought-related risk, such as reliance on a single source or aging infrastructure. The County’s dependence on imported water —serving over 60% of residents —increases exposure to supply disruptions from reduced Sierra Nevada snowpack and Colorado River allocations. All residents, and visitors of Los Angeles County are affected by water shortages during a prolonged drought conditions.
Vulnerabilities include:
• Low-income households, often lacking water-efficient appliances and cooling systems.
• Agricultural industry with over 140,000 acres of irrigated farmland in the County is at risk of reduced water allocation and drying pastures for livestock. • Wildland-urban interface (WUI) communities, where over 1 million residents face heightened wildfire risk due to dry vegetation and limited firefighting water supply.
• Critical infrastructure operations may be impacted by a range of factors from reduced hydropower availability when reservoir levels decrease to power station cooling challenges.
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These vulnerabilities illustrate the far-reaching, cross-sector impacts of drought on the County’s economy, environment, and most at-risk communities.
6.5.7 Impacts
Over the past five years, Los Angeles County has experienced intensifying drought conditions marked by rising temperatures, reduced snowpack, and persistent water shortages. By 2022, 75% of the County’s community water systems showed at least one drought vulnerability, including reliance on a single water source or aging infrastructure. Public health impacts have also emerged, with 1,113 cases of Valley fever reported in 2020, linked to dry soil and dust exposure. Hydropower reductions during drought periods increased reliance on natural gas, contributing to elevated energy costs for residents. These compounding impacts have strained water supply, he alth systems, and infrastructure, reinforcing drought as a major and growing hazard for Los Angeles County.
6.5.8 Mitigation and Preparedness
To combat increasing drought risks, Los Angeles County has implemented water conservation policies, infrastructure investments, and emergency response measures.
Key strategies include:
Water Management and Conservation
• Expanding water recycling and desalination programs to reduce reliance on imported water.
• Implementing drought -tolerant landscaping initiatives to lower residential and commercial water use.
• Enforcing water efficiency regulations for new developments and upgrading older properties with water-saving strategies.
Infrastructure Improvements
• Enhancing groundwater recharge projects to increase local water storage. • Upgrading stormwater capture systems to maximize water retention during rainy seasons.
• Developing new water storage facilities to provide additional supply resilience.
Community Preparedness and Public Awareness
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• Launching county -wide conservation campaigns to encourage sustainable water use.
• Increasing financial incentives for water-efficient appliances and irrigation systems. • Strengthening emergency drought response plans to ensure equitable water distribution during crises.
6.5.9 Summary
Drought remains a persistent and growing threat to Los Angeles County’s water security and economic stability. Climate change projections indicate more frequent and severe droughts, placing greater strain on water supply systems, public health, and agriculture. By implementing proactive water management strategies, investing in infrastructure resilience, and promoting community awareness, the County can mitigate the long-term impacts of drought and ensure sustainable water resources for future generations.
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6.6 Flooding
6.6.1 Nature
Flooding is a persistent and increasingly severe
hazard in Los Angeles County, driven by heavy
rainfall, storm surge, stormwater drainage, and rising
sea levels. The county’s complex hydrology, which
includes rivers, creeks, and an extensive urban flood
control system, is highly susceptible to overflow
events when precipitation exceeds drainage capacity.
The effects of climate change are exacerbating flood
risks by intensifying storms, altering precipitation
patterns, and increasing sea levels, leading to greater coastal inundation and inland flash floods.
Unlike other regions that experience seasonal
flooding due to snowmelt, flooding in Los Angeles
County primarily occurs during winter storms and
atmospheric river events, which bring intense rainfall
and lightning over short periods.
• The region’s high degree of urbanization contributes to flash flooding, as paved surfaces prevent natural absorption of water, leading to rapid runoff and street flooding.
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• Burn scars from recent wildfires further compound flood risks by reducing vegetation cover, destabilizing hillsides, and increasing the likelihood of land movement.
Flooding also creates secondary hazards, including erosion, infrastructure damage, water contamination, and transportation disruptions. Stormwater runoff can overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, leading to hazardous spills. Landslides and mudflows in post-wildfire areas pose additional risks to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.
These compounding threats highlight the urgent need for comprehensive flood mitigation efforts to protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
6.6.2 Location
Flood hazards are geographically widespread, with more than 240 square miles of land located within the 100- and 500-year floodplains. Historically significant events, such as the 1938 and 1969 floods, as well as more recent storms in 2023 and 2024, have caused substantial damage to infrastructure, triggered evacuations, and challenged long-term recovery efforts. Soc ially vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with access and functional needs, and low -income households, face disproportionate impacts due to limited financial resources, inadequate insurance coverage, and reduced access to services. The County’s flood control system includes concrete river channels, levees, storm drains, debris basins and reservoirs; has helped mitigate some flood risks but remains vulnerable to high -intensity storms that exceed design capacities.
Major Flood-Prone Areas:
• Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, and Santa Clara River: These major waterways are prone to overflow during extreme storm events, particularly during El Niño years.
• Ballona Creek and Malibu Creek: These urban watersheds experience rapid runoff and flash flooding, especially in developed areas.
• Foothills, Valleys, and Recent Burn Scar Areas: Post-wildfire regions face heightened risk of flash floods and debris flows following storms.
• Antelope Valley: In desert regions, stormwater pools into temporary lakes, causing flooded roadways and infrastructure damage.
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• Coastal Communities: Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten beachfront properties, harbors, and businesses.
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to impervious surfaces and outdated drainage systems. During intense storms, neighborhoods in Downtown Los Angeles, South LA, and the San Fernando Valley frequently experience street flooding and traffic disruptions, demonstrating the limitations of existing infrastructure in handling modern storm events.
For a better visual representation of this Flooding Hazard within the LA County planning area, please reference Appendix A for flood and inundation maps.
6.6.3 Extent
Los Angeles County faces a significant and evolving flood risk, with impacts ranging from localized urban inundation to widespread riverine flooding and destructive debris flows. Although the County has invested heavily in flood control infrastructure; including an extensive network of dams and debris basins; these systems are increasingly strained and cannot fully eliminate the threat. A growing number of residents are exposed to dangerous flooding each year, a situation made worse by the limitations of ag ing infrastructure and the complexities of urban hydrology. Intense rainfall events, especially those associated with atmospheric rivers, are occurring more frequently and with greater severity, often overwhelming drainage systems and resulting in severe flooding of streets and neighborhoods. Compounding this risk are burn scars from recent wildfires, which heighten the likelihood of mudslides and debris flows that threaten both life and property. As climate patterns shift and extreme weather events become more common, the flood vulnerability of Los Angeles County continues to deepen across its diverse geography.
Flood severity is typically measured using the 100-year and 500-year flood recurrence intervals, which indicate a 1% and 0.2% annual probability of flooding, respectively.
These designations guide floodplain management and mitigation efforts.
Key Flood Hazard Statistics in Los Angeles County:
• 243.32 square miles (5.11%) of land have a 0.2% annual flood probability. • 4.19 square miles (0.09%) have a 1% annual flood probability.
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Key Flood Hazard Statistics for Unincorporated Los Angeles County:
• 64.77 square miles (2.13%) have a 0.2% flood probability. • 1.23 square miles (0.04%) have a 1% flood probability.
As climate change accelerates sea -level rise and extreme rainfall events, these flood - prone areas may expand, affecting more residents, infrastructure, and businesses.
FLOOD IMPACT ON LAND AREA
Area 0.2% Annual Flood
Probability 1% Annual Flood Probability
Los Angeles County 243.32 sq. mi. (5.11%) 4.19 sq. mi. (0.09%) Unincorporated LA County 64.77 sq. mi. (2.13%) 1.23 sq. mi. (0.04%)
6.6.4 History
Los Angeles County has experienced numerous severe flood events, many of which have caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure, property, and human life. Over the decades, climate variability, rapid urbanization, and an aging flood control system have led to repeated flooding disasters. There have been no federal declarations or state proclamations for earthquakes in the last five years.
Below are some of the most significant historical and recent flood events affecting the region.
Notable Flood and Lightning Events in Los Angeles County:
• 1938 Los Angeles Floods: One of the deadliest floods in county history, caused by weeks of torrential rainfall, resulting in over 100 deaths, the destruction of thousands of homes, and widespread infrastructure damage, particularly to bridges and roadways.
• 1969 Winter Storms : Heavy rains led to massive debris flows in the San Gabriel Mountains, severe urban flooding across Los Angeles, and multiple dam breaches, prompting major evacuations.
• 1992-1993 El Niño Floods: A series of storms triggered landslides, flash flooding, and major coastal erosion, with significant damage to Pacific Coast Highway and residential areas.
• 2017 Winter Storms (DR-4305): Record-breaking rainfall led to significant urban flooding, road closures, and mudslides, with severe impacts across multiple communities.
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• October 2021: Los Angeles County experienced a rare and intense thunderstorm with a significant amount of lightning.
• September 2022 Hurricane Kay: A pacific hurricane that caused significant rainfall along with risk of mudflows, coastal flooding, and coastal erosion. • January 2023 Atmospheric River Event (DR-4683): Heavy rainfall overwhelmed storm drains, causing significant flooding in Hollywood, Baldwin Hills, and low-lying inland areas, leading to evacuations and infrastructure damage. • February 2023 Los Angeles Floods (DR-4699): A series of intense storms caused widespread flash flooding, freeway closures, and landslides, demonstrating the increasing vulnerability of the county's urban areas to extreme precipitation events. • August 2023 Tropical Storm Hilary (DR-4750): Several locations in the mountains of Southern California received over 10 inches of rainfall which set daily and/or monthly rainfall records, in many locations in Southern California, including within Los Angeles County. It also created significant threat of flash and riverine flooding prompted the evacuation of numerous vulnerable communities near burn scars in the region.
• December 2023 Pacific Storm: Storm surges and extreme coastal flooding led to significant erosion along the coastline, particularly impacting Marina del Rey, Long Beach, and Venice Beach.
• February - March 2024 Atmospheric River Storm (DR-4769): One of the most intense rainfall events in recent history, resulting in severe flash floods, mudslides, and power outages, with many homes and businesses sustaining flood damage.
6.6.5 Probability
Flood recurrence in Los Angeles County is influenced by both natural climate variability and the increasing effects of climate change. Historically, severe flooding is most likely during strong El Niño events, which occur approximately every 2 to 7 years a nd can persist for several months to multiple years. These events bring elevated precipitation levels and increase the likelihood of both inland and coastal flooding.
As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of flood-generating events are expected to increase, altering traditional recurrence intervals and expanding the areas at risk. There is a 95% chance of a flooding event occurring each year withing Los Angeles County.
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Key climate-related drivers include:
• Sea-Level Rise: Projected to rise by 6 inches to over 2 feet by 2050, increasing the risk of tidal and storm surge flooding in coastal communities. • Atmospheric River Events : According to the 2024 THIRA, these events are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to elevated flash flood and debris flow risks.
• El Niño Cycles: Still expected every 2 to 7 years, but with increased variability and storm intensity that can overwhelm local drainage and flood control systems.
These evolving conditions challenge existing floodplain maps and design assumptions, highlighting the need for adaptive planning, updated risk models, and continued investment in resilient infrastructure and flood mitigation strategies.
6.6.6 Vulnerability
Los Angeles County faces widespread and layered vulnerabilities to flooding, shaped by a combination of environmental exposure and complex social factors. Physical vulnerability is pronounced in areas located within FEMA -designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), post -wildfire burn scars, and low -lying urban drainage basins that are prone to flooding. However, the degree of risk is significantly heightened for certain populations who may lack the resources or capacity to prepare for, respond to, and re cover from flood events. Socially vulnerable groups, including older adults, individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs (AFN), mobile home residents, people experiencing homelessness, and low-income households; are more likely to reside in structurally vulnerable housing.
According to the 2021 Los Angeles County Comprehensive Floodplain Management Plan, more than a quarter of residents living within the 100 -year floodplain earn less than $20,000 annually, underscoring the disproportionate economic burden faced by those leas t able to absorb the costs of recovery. Climate vulnerability data further demonstrates that marginalized communities in flood -exposed areas face elevated risks due to flooding events. The vulnerability landscape is further complicated by a shortage of affordable flood-resilient structures, and an increasing number of residents living in areas newly exposed due to climate-driven changes in precipitation and runoff patterns.
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6.6.7 Impacts
Flooding in Los Angeles County leads to a broad range of direct and cascading impacts on people, infrastructure, environment, and the economy. The County’s extensive network of critical facilities, including hospitals, fire stations, wastewater treatment plants, schools, and power substations. These areas face recurring exposure within both 100- and 500-year floodplains. Damage to these facilities not only compromises their physical integrity but also threatens their functionality during emergency response operations.
Flooding often disrupts lifeline services such as electricity, potable water, sanitation, and transportation, with rural and unincorporated areas facing the greatest challenges to rapid restoration. Mobile homes, frequently concentrated in low -lying or und er- drained neighborhoods, are especially susceptible to flood damage due to construction limitations and inadequate protective measures. Previous flood events have resulted in significant debris flows, road closures, train stoppages, and damage to public and private structures.
Primary Vulnerabilities & Impacts:
• Over 1,470 structures are estimated to be damaged in a 100-year flood event, with total damages exceeding $769.7 million in property losses in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
• Additionally, more than 180 critical facilities are exposed in the 500-year floodplain, while 70 are within the 100-year floodplain, including transportation assets, utilities, emergency services, and hazardous materials facilities. • A 100-year flood event could displace over a thousand people with many requiring sheltering, support and recovery efforts.
• Approximately 19,563 tons of building-related debris could be generated by a 100- year flood event, with clean -up requiring more than 780 truckloads, posing logistical, environmental, and public health challenges. • 28.6% of households in the 100-year floodplain are economically disadvantaged, earning under $20,000 per year, limiting their ability to evacuate, recover, or pay for mitigation improvements.
• A large share of flood -prone properties are either uninsured or underinsured. The average flood insurance claim payout is $7,298, which is only about 1% of the 2019 County of Los Angeles
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