Agenda - 05-06-2010 - 4m - Laserfiche WebLink

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High Winds(Severe Storms/Tornadoes/Nor'easter/Hurricanes) Severe storms and tornadoes as well as hurricanes and coastal storms present high wind hazards. This hazard is mainly combated through building codes and construction. Enforcement of the current State building code and enhancement of the code in regards to wind resistance will prove the most beneficial in addressing high winds. All of the local governments included in this hazard mitigation plan require new construction to be in accordance with the State building code which takes into account wind loading and resistance to other natural hazards. At this time, none of the local governments are considering changes to this practice. Droughts and Heat Waves In general,communities can have little influence or impact on mitigating the impact of ; droughts/heat waves on the local government level except through ensuring adequate water I supplies for normal circumstances and through implementation of water conservation measures when droughf conditions are imminent. Similarly,heat waves have wide ranging effects that are almost impossible to combat on a level government level. Communities,therefore,depend upon State and Federal agencies for assistance. Representatives from the participating jurisdictions met in October 2005 to discuss the county's vulnerability to drought and heat waves. At that time,the group determined that additional actions were not necessary or feasible to reduce the area's vulnerability. Later,in 2007 in response to severe drought conditions in the county and beyond,elected officials approved resolutions and measures to encourage water conservation throughout the county. In addition, the County maintains a website (www.H2Orange.org)that discusses current conditions, water conservation, and drought relief programs for those in need. Winter Storms and Freezes Local governments also look to the State and to private utility companies for leadership in dealing with winter storms/freezes. The typical effects of snow and ice accumulation—loss of electrical power,phone, and cable service and treacherous road conditions -can be only minimally addressed at the local level. (The exceptions would be larger cities which have more snow/ice removal equipment and manpower and governments that own the local electrical distribution system.) Orange County and the municipalities included in this plan address winter storms and freezes to the greatest extent they are able to with limited resources. Nothing can be done to prevent winter storms. However, the County and participating jurisdictions inform the public of potential impacts of severe weather systems and emergency services available to them. A significant storm or freeze will likely require State and other(i.e.: electric company) assistance. State DOT(Department of Transportation) staff and equipment clear snow and ice from the roadways using a priority system based on road usage. Landslides Landslides are most likely to occur when unusually heavy rain from humcanes and intense rain storms soak the ground,reducing the ability of steep sloges to resist the downward pull of gravity. Certain types of soils are more susceptible to landslides than other soil types. 47