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2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan <br />Kittitas County, Washington <br /> <br /> <br />Chapter 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 183 <br />roads and tracks can become slippery for cars and trains, stranding vehicles, and travelers. Electrical <br />and communication equipment which are critical services during emergency operations, can be severely <br />impacted by ashfall because of interference with radio waves due to atmospheric conditions, overloading <br />of telephone systems due to increased demand, and direct damage to communication facilities. During <br />electrical power outages the use of emergency generators may be necessary; however, generator’s air <br />intakes are vulnerable to ash. Additionally, HVAC systems can be disrupted if ash is ingested through <br />the air intake and condenser units. Ash can accumulate in the radiator and air filters, reducing air flow <br />potentially causing the HVAC system to stall and overheat. Infrastructure, such as drainage systems, is <br />potentially vulnerable to the effects of ashfall because fine ash can clog pipes and culverts.233F <br />233 This may <br />be more of a problem if an eruption occurs during winter or early spring when precipitation is highest and <br />floods are most likely. Since Kittitas County receives significant amounts of snow every year, roofs are <br />built to withstand snow loads; therefore, most roofs are able to withstand the potential load of ash. <br /> <br />Economy: Kittitas County has a significant agricultural sector, and volcanic ash can devastate crops, <br />harm livestock, and result in long-term soil degradation. Additionally, agriculture equipment and <br />machinery can be damaged and water sources can be contaminated. Tourism can also be impacted due <br />to the danger and damage to natural attractions. <br /> <br />Changes in Development and Impact of Future Development: Changes in development have <br />minimally increased (4% or less) the vulnerability of Kittitas County to volcanic activity. Future <br />development may minimally increase (4% or less) the impact of volcanic activity within Kittitas County. <br /> <br />Underserved and At Risk Population: Although everyone is vulnerable to volcanic activity, children <br />and babies, the elderly, people with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions (e.g., asthma, <br />emphysema, and other chronic lung diseases), and outside workers (e.g., agriculture workers) are <br />uniquely vulnerable to volcanic gases and ash. Those with asthma can exacerbate their symptoms if <br />exposed to volcanic gases and ash.234F <br />234 Additionally, underserved population such as low-income families, <br />individuals with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, and those without adequate access to <br />emergency resources may not have access to the appropriate education on volcanic activity (e.g., ashfall <br />protective measures) or financial resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover. Furthermore, these <br />groups may not have access to accurate and timely information due to limited internet access, language <br />barriers, and living in isolated areas. Therefore, critical volcanic activity information may not reach these <br />groups in a timely manner which results in higher injury and mortality rates within these communities. <br />Individuals with limited or no access to healthcare are highly vulnerable because treatment for respiratory <br />and other health issues due to the gases and ashfall may be unavailable or delayed. <br /> <br />Effects of Climate Change in Severity of Impacts: The exact nature and extent of this impact still <br />needs to be studied and fully understood as it pertains to climate change. <br />4.6.8.7. FEMA NRI Expected Annual Loss Estimates <br />A volcanic activity NRI EAL score, and rating represent a community's relative level of expected building <br />and population loss each year due to volcanic activity when compared to the rest of the United States. <br />The EAL score is positively associated to a community’s risk; therefore, a higher EAL score results in a <br />higher Risk Index score. Table 4-135 outlines the volcanic activity EAL for Kittitas County. <br /> <br />233 United States Geological Survey. (2015). Impacts & Mitigation, Transportation. Retrieved from <br />https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/transportation.html . <br />234 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Health Effects of Volcanic Air Pollution. Retrieved from <br />https://www.cdc.gov/volcanoes/risk-factors/index.html.