Resolution 7478 hazard mitigation

Home Browse Search

2024 Hennepin County All -Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan Volume 2 — Hazard Inventory • Lowest Wind Chill in MN: -71 OF with new formula and -100 OF with old formula (Jan 9-10, 1982) • Lowest Wind Chill in Hennepin County: -6-73 OF with the new formula and -87 OF with the old formula. (Jan 22, 1936) • Lowest Maximum Temperature for Hennepin County: -20 (Jan 15, 1988) • Longest period temperature below 32°F in Hennepin County: 66 Day 16 Hours (8PM Dec 18, 1977, through 11 AM Feb 23, 1978) • Longest Period temperature below 0°F in Hennepin County: 7 Days 18 hours (8 PM Dec 31, 1911, through 10 AM Jan 8, 1912) 4.3.10.3. Spectrum of Consequences B211b Extreme cold temperatures have well known impacts on human health. On average, the United States sees 29 cold weather -related fatalities each year. In 2019, there were 62 cold -related deaths in Minnesota (MN DPH, 2019). Human and animal exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can lead to serious or life - threatening health problems such as hypothermia, cold stress, frostbite or freezing of the exposed extremities such as fingers, toes, nose, and ear lobes. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature is less than < 95°F. If persons exposed to excessive cold are unable to generate enough heat (e.g., through shivering) to maintain a normal core body temperature of 98.6°F, their organs can malfunction. When brain function deteriorates, persons with hypothermia are less likely to perceive the need to seek shelter. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia (e.g., lethargy, weakness, loss of coordination, confusion, or uncontrollable shivering) can increase in severity as the body's core temperature drops. Extreme cold also can cause emergencies in susceptible populations, such as those without shelter, those who are stranded, or those who live in a home that is poorly insulated or without heat (such as mobile homes). Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. Damage to structures due to extreme cold events is relatively low. Freezing pipes can be the largest problem. Extended periods of cold weather can increase the potential for frost depth problems. The depth to which soils freeze and thaw is important in the design of pavements, structures, and utilities. Increased depth of frost can also delay the frost thaw in the spring which would cause those in agriculture a later start to their season, which may lead to less yield of crops. Broken water mains can put significant demands on municipal public works departments. 4.3.10.4. Potential for Cascading Effects Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so individuals may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, individuals may also face indoor hazards. Many homes may become too cold either due to a power outage or because the heating system is not adequate for the weather. The use of space heaters and fireplaces to keep warm increases the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. During cold months, carbon monoxide may be high in some areas because the colder weather makes it difficult for car emission control systems to operate effectively. Carbon monoxide levels are typically higher during cold weather because the cold temperatures make combustion less complete and cause inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground reducing air quality. 160