Lexington-Fayette Urban County Extreme Heat Incident-Specific Plan

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Lexington-Fayette Urban County

Extreme Heat

Incident-Specific Plan

Lexington-Fayette Urban County

Division of Emergency Management

Effective 8/1/18

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Scope ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Document Authority ............................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3.1 Document Maintenance and Review ............................................................................................................. 4

2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4

3 Roles & Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................................. 4

3.1 Primary Coordinating Agency ................................................................................................................................. 4

3.2 Local Agencies and Organizations .......................................................................................................................... 4

3.3 State, Regional, and Federal Agencies and Organizations ..................................................................................... 5

4 Activation Threshold ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Heat Index Readings and Heat-related Medical Conditions ................................................................................... 5

5 The Heat Index ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

6 Phases ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

7 Vulnerable Populations ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Appendix A

Lexington Office of Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Emergency Weather Plan 2017-

2018……………………….................................................................................................................................12

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Introduction

Interest in the impact of heat on human health has increased dramatically in recent years. There is a strong

consensus in the scientific community that climate change is occurring and that average global temperatures will

rise substantially during this century. Global warming is anticipated to increase the number of air pollution and

heat-related deaths worldwide. Cities around the world are moving to develop heat-health warning systems and

public heath response plans.

Extreme heat impacts different people in different ways, depending on their age, underlying medical conditions

and how well they are acclimatized to hot conditions. Exposure to extreme heat over prolonged periods of time

without access to cooling intervals (such as typically occur at night) makes it hard for the human body to maintain

a consistent internal temperature. This stress can result in a rise of internal temperature and/or increased stress

on respiratory and circulatory systems. Either circumstance can result in health problems or death. Even a short

break from the extreme heat helps reduce this stress.

1.1 Purpose

This document is the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Incident-Specific Plan (ISP) for an

Extreme Heat Event. Henceforth, this plan will refer to Extreme Heat Event as an “EHE” and will refer to the

geographic and political entity of Lexington-Fayette Urban County as “Lexington Fayette”.

EHE are often slower to develop, taking several days of continuous, oppressive heat before a significant or

quantifiable impact is seen. EHE do not strike victims immediately, but their cumulative effects slowly take the

lives of vulnerable populations. This ISP describes the integrated and coordinated emergency management efforts

that various local, state, and federal government and non-government entities will undertake to protect public

safety.

1.2 Scope

This EHE ISP includes the threshold for response activation, description of heat indices and associated health risks,

response activities by heat emergency phase, and cooling centers by location.

1.3 Document Authority

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Emergency Management (LFUCG DEM) developed

and maintains this EHE ISP and accompanying attachments and references that govern response actions related to

emergencies.

Supporting agencies shall develop and maintain their own similar documents for internal use, which must be

compatible with, and in support of, the overall LFUCG Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and this ISP. All such

documents must comply with the national Response Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management System

(NIMS).

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Last Updated 7/16/2018

1.3.1 Document Maintenance and Review

The LFUCG DEM is the owner of this document.

The document owner will review this plan annually and, as needed, update it to accommodate changing

demographics and other factors.

2 Objectives

In an EHE event, Lexington Fayette's objectives will be:

• To ensure that all agencies working with vulnerable groups are provided with information on what

precautions to take when temperatures reach extreme levels.

• To coordinate a community response when temperatures reach extreme levels

• To ensure that high-risk populations are cared for when temperatures reach extreme levels

3 Roles & Responsibilities

The following entities will be involved in Lexington Fayette's response to an EHE event.

3.1 Primary Coordinating Agency

LFUCG DEM is the primary Lexington Fayette coordinating agency for a response to an EHE event.

3.2 Local Agencies and Organizations

The lead agencies and organizations for each emergency support function (ESF) and support annex have policy-

making and primary response duties during an EHE activation. Some of these entities may be primary agencies in

other ESFs; others may support or assist other ESFs during crises. Each of these entities has personnel who train

and exercise and have specific knowledge or skill sets to assist DEM during the response, recovery, or mitigations

phases of an EHE event.

In addition, each lead agency or organization may call on additional agencies and organizations to provide support

functions for that ESF or support annex.

Each of these entities has personnel who train and exercise and have specific knowledge or skill sets to assist DEM

during the preparedness, response, or recovery phase of an EHE event.

A. American Red Cross (ARC), Bluegrass Chapter

B. Lexington Division of Enhanced 911 (E911)

C. Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency Services (Lexington Fire Department – LFD)

D. Lexington Division of Police (Lexington Police Department – LPD)

E. Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD)

F. LexCall/311

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G. Lexington-Fayette Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention

H. Lexington Division of Parks and Recreation

I. The Lexington Senior Center

J. LexTran

K. Local healthcare entities

3.3 State, Regional, and Federal Agencies and Organizations

The following government agencies and organizations have primary or supporting duties during Lexington

Fayette's response to a EHE event.

This list may be shortened or expanded based on the specific needs of the emergency.

A. Kentucky Department of Military Affairs (DMA)

B. Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board (KCCRB)

C. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

4 Activation Threshold

Preparedness plans must be in place before an EHE occurs, and increased readiness efforts must begin when high

temperatures are forecast rather than when they arrive.

The thresholds for activation of a response, by phase, are as follows:

Phase 1 – Readiness: The threshold for implantation of Phase 1 will be when temperatures exceeds 90 degrees

Fahrenheit as described in the Office for Homelessness Prevention and Intervention annual emergency weather

plan and/or the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory.

Phase 2 – Heat Watch: The threshold for implantation of Phase 2 will be when the National Weather Service’s

issues an Excessive Heat Watch.

Phase 3- Heat Emergency – The threshold for implementation of Phase 3 will be when the National Weather

Service Issues an Excessive Heat Warning for Fayette County, that is expected to last 3 or more days.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Emergency Management will monitor the NWS advisories and

will notify all partners within 24 hours when a Heat Wave is predicted.

4.1 Heat Index Readings and Heat-related Medical Conditions

The heat index is a measure that combines temperature and humidity to approximate how hot it “feels” outside

(see chart below). As relative humidity increases, the air seems warmer than it actually is because the body is less

able to cool itself via evaporation of perspiration.

As the heat index rises, so do health risks. It is important to recognize the early sings of heat-related illnesses and

know what to do about them. During normal weather, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

evaporates and cools the body. However, during periods of extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed

and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. If the body cannot cool itself, serious illness

can result. Those who are susceptible (e.g. infants, children, the elderly, those with mental illness or chronic

illness) are less able to sweat or regulate their internal temperature than others, and have increased risk of

experiencing a range of potential adverse health outcomes.

Table 1 below list more serious medical conditions directly attributable to excessive heat exposure, along with

recommended responses.

Table 1. Medical Conditions directly attributable to excessive heat exposure

Table 2 below list other heat-related, but less severe, conditions attributable to heat or sun exposure, along with

recommended responses.

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Table 2. Less severe heat-related conditions attributable to heat or sun exposure

5 The Heat Index

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a Federal Agency focused on the condition of the oceans

and the atmosphere. The following NOAA charts show the health risk as temperature and relative humidity increase:

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Last Updated 7/16/2018

Heat Advisories or Excessive Heat Warnings (see definitions in Table 5 below) are issued by the NWS in Louisville, KY.

The Louisville, KY NWS covers 49 counties across central Kentucky and 10 counties in south central Indiana.

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

6 Phases

The most appropriate level of response to an EHE in Lexington- Fayette will be carried out by the city government

using the thresholds and phases outlined below. If additional assistance is needed, the County Emergency

Operations Center will be opened.

• Phase 1 – Readiness

• Phase 2 – Heat Watch

• Phase 3 – Heat Emergency

• Phase 4 – Recovery

Phase 1 – Readiness

The DEM Primary On – Call person will monitor weather forecasts. If the NWS predicts that temperatures will be above

90 degrees the following actions will be taken:

• The DEM designee will notify the DEM Director and the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention

Office.

• The DEM designee will ensure readiness plans for the vulnerable populations are in place.

• An event in WebEOC will be created for situational awareness and documentation.

• The DEM designee will activate the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention 2018 Weather plan:

o The DEM PIO will provide information on Heat Preparedness to local media.

o Will coordinate the Notification local media, provide updates on social media, and notify all

organizations that work with people experiencing homelessness through the Office of Homelessness

Prevention and Intervention.

o Emergency Weather Sheltering Operations will begin. (refer to Annex A)

o Watering/Cooling stations will be established

o The Compassionate Caravan will be activated to offer free rides to shelter locations.

o Encourage the use of Public Air Conditioned Facilities.

Phase 2 – Heat Watch

If the NWS Issues a Heat Watch the following actions will be taken:

• The DEM designee will notify the DEM director and steps conducted in Phase 1 will be repeated

• Alert notifications will be sent out via LexAlerts and an email to the executive global list.

• 311/LexCall will function as the call center for citizens seeking information.

• Parks and Recreation will offer discounted pool admission

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• LEXTRAN will provide free rides for citizens to officially identified cooling centers and pools.

• Dunbar Center would be open as a cooling center

• Senior center will be open as a cooling center

Phase 3

If the NWS Issues a Heat Warning that last more than three days the following actions will be taken:

• The DEM designee will notify the DEM director and steps conducted in Phase 1 and 2 will be repeated

• Additional Community centers will open (subject to availability)

Phase 4 – Recovery

There is no deactivation of a Level 1 Readiness activation. The DEM Director is the responsible for declaring the end of

an EHE. A level 2 or Level 3 should only be deactivated on a day which the Louisville NWS 2-day forecast includes

neither a Humidex value that exceeds the threshold. The end of an EHE will be communicated to community partners

through alert notification systems. All cooling centers will be systematically closed.

Conservative deactivation thresholds are recommended, as prematurely halting municipal and public health responses

to an EHE has been shown to be associated with additional deaths. Following confirmation of deactivation a news

release will be issues jointly.

DEM will coordinate a conference call with partner agencies on what went well, and what improvements

are needed for future heat emergencies. All After Action comments will be recorded into WebEOC.

7 Vulnerable Populations

Situational and physical characteristics help to identify vulnerable populations that may not comfortably

or safely access and use disaster resources. Specifically, when discussing heat related emergency

preparedness, the following groups could be considered vulnerable or at greater risk in a heat

emergency:

• Older persons (65 years old and older)

• Infants and young children

• Women who are pregnant

• People with a mental illness or who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Those with chronic diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure

• People with mobility restrictions

• People engaged in rigorous outdoor work or exercise

• Those living in poverty

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• The homeless

• People who are socially isolated

• Non-English speaking people who may not have access to current information

Identifying these high-risk groups in given locations allows public health officials to develop and

implement targeted notification and response actions that focus surveillance and relief efforts on those

at greatest risk.

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Lexington Office of Homelessness

Prevention & Intervention

Emergency Weather Plan 2017-2018

This Emergency Weather Plan provides a coordinated response for times when extreme

cold or hot weather create additional, immediate need for expanded capacity to assist

people experiencing homelessness in Lexington. Extreme temperatures often force people

to seek shelter who may not otherwise seek assistance. In some cases, people struggling

with mental illness may not seek shelter and require additional intervention for their own

safety. This plan ensures Lexington is prepared for these situations.

The Emergency Weather Plan will be activated when measures of extreme temperatures

are reached or when other severe weather conditions take place. Extreme temperature

will be defined as:

• Any day when the temperature low is expected to fall below 32 degrees, or

• Any day when the temperature high is expected to exceed 90 degrees.

The wind chill and heat index will be not taken into account in the determining

temperature. Decisions about severe weather that takes place on days outside of extreme

temperature situations will be made by the Office of Homelessness Prevention and

Intervention in consultation with the appropriate authorities.

Any time the plan has been activated, the Office of Homelessness will notify local media,

provide updates on social media, and notify all organizations that work with people

experiencing homelessness.

It’s important to note that, unless otherwise stated, these shelters and services are always

available to people in Lexington who experience homelessness. The Emergency Weather

Plan activates some changes such as transportation or extended hours but Lexington is

fortunate to have a strong network of shelters and service providers that is able to meet

most needs even during weather emergencies. See the table at the end of this document

for a full comparison of services available.

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Donations for Extreme Weather

Public donations can be dropped off at any participating agency. In general, agencies will

be in need of the following:

Winter:

Blankets

Hats

Winter Boats/Shoes

Gloves

Socks

Scarves

Summer

Sunscreen

Deodorant

Bottled Water

Baseball Hats – Summer Shade Hats

Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters welcome all eligible people during emergency weather including

former residents under suspension for behavioral or programmatic reasons. Exceptions

may include individuals suspended for violence and decisions will be made case by case

but providers and OHPI will collaborate to ensure emergency shelter is available for

anyone in need.

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Emergency Weather Plan 2017-2018

Consistent Services

Additional Emergency Weather Plan Services

(This services are in additional to consistent services and

only occur when OHPI activates the emergency weather

plan)

Emergency Cold (Low Temp Below 32): 101 days

Emergency Heat (High Temp Above 90): days

Emergency

Shelters

Women and Women with Children:

Salvation Army

Meals, showers, warm clothing as

available

Men:

Hope Center

Clothing, meals, on-site clinic, non-

medical detox, employment information,

programming

24-hour emergency shelters welcome all eligible people

during emergency weather including former residents under

suspension for disciplinary or programmatic reasons.

Men and Women:

Catholic Action Center

Meals, showers, phone service, connection

to social services

Exceptions may include individuals suspended for violence

and decisions will be made case by case but providers and

OHPI will collaborate to ensure emergency shelter is

available for anyone in need.

Children Ages 6 weeks to 17 years:

Arbor Youth Services’

Case management

Day Shelters/

Salvation Army

Cooling Stations

736 West Main Street

Lexington, KY 40508

859-252-7706

Adults 18 years and over

Offers a cooling station including water from 9:00 am to 4:30

New Life Day Center

pm for single women and women with children without the

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30

requirement of residency.

am to 3:30 pm.; Saturday 8:30 am to 11:30

Hope Center

Employment information, clothing,

360 West Loudon Avenue

medical care, Social Security, storage

Lexington, KY 40508

lockers

859-252-7881

Offer a cooling station including water and food for single

Catholic Action Center

males without requirement of residency.

Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 9 pm

Basic Needs, lockers, storage

Catholic Action Center

1055 Industry Road

Youth 18 to 25 years and their children

Lexington, KY 40505

Arbor Youth Services Street Outreach

859-255-0301

Center

Offers a cooling station including water and food for single

Operating Hours: Daily 10 am to 4 pm

males and females from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

(extended hours as needed)

Case management

Arbor Youth Services Street Outreach Center

Ages 18-24

540 West Third Street

Lexington, KY 40508

859-254-2501

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Offers a cooling station with basic needs including water for

those youth ages 18-24 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Monday

through Friday.

Arbor Youth Services Emergency Shelter

Ages 6 weeks to 17

323 South Upper Street

Lexington, KY 40507

859-254-2501

Offers a cooling station including water for those 17 years of

age and under, 24/7/365.

Transportation

None

HopeMobile – transportation to emergency shelter, cooling

station, provides blankets, food, water and other materials.

Operates Monday through Friday during the day.

859-252-7881

Street Outreach – transportation to emergency shelter,

cooling station, provides blankets, food, water and other

materials. Operates Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 11:00

pm.

859-475-7173

Compassionate Caravan – transportation to emergency

shelter, cooling station, provides blankets, food, water and

other materials. Operates as needed for cold extreme weather,

for hot extreme weather operates Saturday and Sunday.

Lextran - People in need of a ride to a shelter/day center may

board Lextran buses at no charge.

Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Weather Plan

Last Updated 7/16/2018

Consistent Services, Detailed

Unaccompanied Women and Women with Children

Salvation Army

736 W. Main Street

Lexington, KY 40508

859-252-7706

• Services Available: emergency shelter, meals, showers, clothing as available.

Unaccompanied Men

Hope Center

360 W. Loudon Avenue

Lexington, KY 40508

859-252-7881

• Services Available: emergency shelter, clothing, meals, on-site HealthFirst clinic,

non-medical detox, employment information, access to Hope Center

programming (Veteran’s Program, Mental Health, Men’s Recovery, Employment,

Social Services), and other services as needed. Emergency shelter will have

expanded capacity during inclement weather.

Unaccompanied Men and Women

Catholic Action Center

1055 Industry Road

Lexington, KY 40505

859-255-0301

• Services Available: emergency shelter, meals, showers, phone service, connection

to social services. Emergency shelter will have expanded capacity during

inclement weather.

Children and Youth Ages 6 weeks to 17 years

Arbor Youth Services

323 South Upper Street

Lexington, KY 40507

859-254-2501

• Services Available: Emergency shelter and individualized attention to secure

basic needs and appropriate shelter.

8 Day Shelters

June 27, 2018 Page 17 of 18

Day Shelters are facilities open during daytime hours as a place for

individuals with no other place to seek refuge from emergency weather

conditions. Each facility may have its own eligibility criteria for entrance.

New Life Day Center

224 North Martin

Luther King Blvd.

Lexington, KY 40508

859-721-2325

• Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm;

Saturday 8:30 am to 11:30 am

• Services: Connections to employment, clothing, medical care,

Social Security, and other resources; storage lockers available.

Catholic Action Center

1055 Industry Road

Lexington, KY 40505

859-255-0301

• Normal Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm – residents

must check in for shelter bed by 9:30 pm.

• Services: Meals, Showers, Phone Service, Connection to Social Services.

Arbor Youth Services Street Outreach

Center (Youth 18-25 years old and their

children) 540 West Third Street

Lexington, KY 40508

859-254-2501

• Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (extended hours as

needed – no one turned out to the street)

• Services: Individualized attention to secure basic needs and appropriate

shelter.

June 27, 2018 Page 18 of 18