13 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2017 LAMAR COUNTY MITIGATION PLAN

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Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION THREE - EXTREME HEAT ......... 1. DESCRIPTION Temperatures that extend 10 degree F or more Extreme Heat - extended periods of excessive, above the average high temperature for the region hot weather with a serious impact on human and last for several weeks are defined as extreme and /or animal populations particularly the heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the elderly or those with respiratory ailments. discomfort of high temperature, occur when a Heat Wave - a prolonged period of excessive heat "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, most often combined with high humidity. damp air near the ground. Heat Index - Humidity and temperature is used to determine the felt air temperature. 2. LOCATION Extreme Heat events are regional in nature. The entire county is equally affected by extreme heat. 3. EXTENT The severity of the extreme heat is dependent on a combination of temperature and humidity. When combined with high humidity, high temperatures can put an area in the "Extreme Danger" category on the National Weather Service Heat Index scale. Heat Stroke - A life threatening condition where the victim's body can not sufficiently cool itself can result in brain damage and death Heat Exhaustion - A form of mild shock where blood flow is sent to skin and away from the vital organs. It is the result of strenuous activity in the heat where the body has lost fluids by sweating Hyperthermia - Severe heat exposure occurs when the body temperature rises to 106 F When extreme heat is combined with drought, results can include, not only excessively dry hot conditions that contribute to a high risk of life - threatening heat related illnesses, but can also provoke dust storms with low visibility. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over - exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Other conditions that can induce heat - related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. A prolonged drought can have a serious economic impact on a community. Increased demand for water and electricity may result in shortages of resources. Moreover, food shortages may occur if agricultural production is damaged or destroyed by a loss of crops or livestock. All of the jurisdictions in Lamar County would feel the effects of an Extreme Heat event. Paris and the other political subdivisions of the county could see a greater effect from an Extreme Heat event in comparison to other jurisdictions. This is due to larger population of residents over the age of 65 located throughout these areas, and due to the fact tht the elderly are more susceptible to heat induced illnesses. 70