Options Database

Use vulnerability and risk assessment analyses and tools to identify priorities for resilience investments.

Use vulnerability and risk assessment analyses and tools to identify priorities for resilience investments.

Utilize federal and state funding sources and TDA programs to acquire Property or development rights in high risk areas to retain these areas as undeveloped buffers

Utilize federal and state reporting and monitoring assets, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hazard Mapping System, to prepare for smoke and wildfire impacts.

Utilize regional water supply planning for long-term demands.

When developing a long-term watershed management plan, include the results of ecological assessments.

When discussing local food production, include people who know about the impact of heat and growing season changes on agriculture.

When the local government buys new assets, require staff to consider how the purchase could address or hinder resilience.

Where appropriate, promote planting future climate adapted trees, plants and crop species.

With a focus on areas with residents most vulnerable to extreme heat, launch a program to install neighborhood-level cooling strategies that help residents prepare for higher temperatures. Examples include installing splash pads, spray water features and water fountains; constructing shade structures; planting shade trees; and replacing pavement with vegetation where possible.

Work with agricultural organizations to help farmers identify and adjust to changes in pest management, cropping patterns, water management and other on-farm practices that may be required as precipitation and temperature patterns change.

Work with community organizations to conduct outreach to vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Work with drinking water providers to identify current groundwater pollutants and sources.

Work with emergency managers across jurisdictions to understand and address information from a climate vulnerability assessment.

Work with fire mitigation professionals to develop program incentives to replace flammable vegetation with less-flammable species on privately-owned property.

Work with fire mitigation professionals to develop program incentives to create buffers around all structures through the removal or reduction of flammable vegetation, including the vertical clearance of tree branches.

Work with fire mitigation professionals to develop program incentives to create defensible zones around critical facilities.

Work with landscape architects to promote surveying vegetative cover as you design and implement local projects.

Work with local medical providers and hospitals to ensure that medical facilities are prepared to meet any increased demand because of hazardous events.

Work with local officials in advance of the budget cycle to advocate for funding for priority projects and staff capacity that focuses exclusively (or in part) on reducing risk or improving resilience.