Definition

Extreme weather events, for the purpose of this Indicator Report, are classified as severe, unusual, or unseasonal weather events. This Indicator Report contains the following variables: 1. Cost due to flood damage 2. Deaths and injuries from floods 3. Number of flood events by type 4. Acreage burned due to wildfires 5. Total number of wildfires

Numerator

This Indicator Report contains the following variables: 1. Cost due to flood damage (property vs. crop damage) 2. Number of Deaths and injuries from floods 3. Number of flood events by type 4. Total acreage burned due to wildfires 5. Total number of wildfires

Denominator

Not Applicable.

Why Is This Important?

Climate experts project that as the climate continues to change, so will the frequency of extreme weather events. Such events have the potential to adversely affect human health and are therefore a public health concern. Droughts, floods, and wildfires have occurred in Utah, but the question is whether climate change will influence the frequency of these extreme weather events.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness is in operation to coordinate local, state, and federal agencies in assisting health care systems with emergency preparedness and how to respond when a disaster strikes. If a flood or any other type of disaster were to occur, UDOH has implemented a 24-hour statewide support line to assist public health professionals and health care providers in supplying aid to the community. At the federal level, the CDC has a web page dedicated to educating the public on how to prepare for a flood and what should be done after a flood. Topics include water safety, sanitation and hygiene, mold, and precautions to take post-flooding. Flood information from the CDC can be accessed at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods. Since a variety of agencies handle wildfire response in Utah, public health's role is primarily educational. The CDC has a web page dedicated to how to protect yourself during a fire and what to do after a fire has occurred. How to limit smoke exposure, protecting your home, and treatment for burn victims are some of the topics discussed. Access to wildfire education can be obtained at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires.

Wildfire frequency is dependent on a delicate balance between precipitation, heat, abundance of fuel (i.e., grass) and natural or human-caused ignition. No one aspect specifically causes a wildfire, but the relationship between these different factors can determine a high- or low-frequency wildfire season. A heavy snowpack in the winter with a wet spring and a slow transition from cool to warm weather could result in a low wildfire season. Consequently, a dry winter, rapid heating in the spring, and an abundance of dry grass could lead to a high-frequency fire season [1]. Although research is limited, it is suspected that climate change could interfere with this multi-factorial balance and potentially alter wildfire frequency. Climate change affects seasonal precipitation and temperature, so it is possible that less precipitation and higher temperatures due to changes in the climate could increase the frequency of wildfires. Wildfires can adversely affect human health, primarily through exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke negatively affects everyone, but individuals with pre-existing conditions may have worse symptoms. Common symptoms from smoke inhalation include shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, coughing, irritated sinuses, and stinging eyes. Vulnerable populations would include those with asthma, heart or lung disease, and other pre-existing respiratory conditions. Individuals with respiratory problems may experience trouble breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Those with heart disease may experience fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If the wildfire is severe enough or if there is a high frequency of fires producing an abundance of smoke, even healthy individuals may experience these symptoms [2].

Data Notes

The National Park Service states that "Fires customarily are classified as either natural or human-caused. A wildfire is usually started by lightning, lava, or people. Some wildfires ignited naturally may be managed for multiple objectives, which mean they can be monitored, or if management feels it is necessary, contained and extinguished." [3]

Data Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center

Wildfire frequency is dependent on a delicate balance between precipitation, heat, abundance of fuel (i.e., grass) and natural or human-caused ignition. No one aspect specifically causes a wildfire, but the relationship between these different factors can determine a high- or low-frequency wildfire season. A heavy snowpack in the winter with a wet spring and a slow transition from cool to warm weather could result in a low wildfire season. Consequently, a dry winter, rapid heating in the spring, and an abundance of dry grass could lead to a high-frequency fire season [1]. Although research is limited, it is suspected that climate change could interfere with this multi-factorial balance and potentially alter wildfire frequency. Climate change affects seasonal precipitation and temperature, so it is possible that less precipitation and higher temperatures due to changes in the climate could increase the frequency of wildfires. Wildfires can adversely affect human health, primarily through exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke negatively affects everyone, but individuals with pre-existing conditions may have worse symptoms. Common symptoms from smoke inhalation include shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, coughing, irritated sinuses, and stinging eyes. Vulnerable populations would include those with asthma, heart or lung disease, and other pre-existing respiratory conditions. Individuals with respiratory problems may experience trouble breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Those with heart disease may experience fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If the wildfire is severe enough or if there is a high frequency of fires producing an abundance of smoke, even healthy individuals may experience these symptoms [2].

Data Notes

The National Park Service states that "Fires customarily are classified as either natural or human-caused. A wildfire is usually started by lightning, lava, or people. Some wildfires ignited naturally may be managed for multiple objectives, which mean they can be monitored, or if management feels it is necessary, contained and extinguished." [3]

Data Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center

In Utah, long-term rainfall, rapid spring snowmelt, dam breaks, and flash flooding are the four primary ways floods occur [4]. No matter how it occurs, flooding can be extremely dangerous to the health of Utah citizens. In terms of climate change, the data regarding how climate change may affect flood frequency is minimal. The EPA reports that the number of heavy rainfall occurrences has increased and these occurrences lead to increased flooding events. Yet, the EPA recognizes that this is not happening in all areas [5]. Whether it is an abundance of snowmelt runoff, a heavy thunderstorm, or dam failure, floods can negatively affect public health in a number of ways. One of the primary concerns is contaminated drinking water. Floods can move massive amounts of debris and compromise sewage systems, which can contaminate the drinking water supply. Waterborne diseases such as giardia are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water (polluted with fecal matter) and can cause debility and even death. Stagnant flood waters can become a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases, like West Nile virus, that could impact individuals who are displaced by a flood. Severe floods can knock over power lines and damage homes, allowing the release of hazardous chemicals into the community [6]. Other health concerns include drowning and injuries directly related to flooding.

Data Notes

Cost reported in U.S. dollars.

Data Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center

In Utah, long-term rainfall, rapid spring snowmelt, dam breaks, and flash flooding are the four primary ways floods occur [4]. No matter how it occurs, flooding can be extremely dangerous to the health of Utah citizens. In terms of climate change, the data regarding how climate change may affect flood frequency is minimal. The EPA reports that the number of heavy rainfall occurrences has increased and these occurrences lead to increased flooding events. Yet, the EPA recognizes that this is not happening in all areas [5]. Whether it is an abundance of snowmelt runoff, a heavy thunderstorm, or dam failure, floods can negatively affect public health in a number of ways. One of the primary concerns is contaminated drinking water. Floods can move massive amounts of debris and compromise sewage systems, which can contaminate the drinking water supply. Waterborne diseases such as giardia are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water (polluted with fecal matter) and can cause debility and even death. Stagnant flood waters can become a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases, like West Nile virus, that could impact individuals who are displaced by a flood. Severe floods can knock over power lines and damage homes, allowing the release of hazardous chemicals into the community [6]. Other health concerns include drowning and injuries directly related to flooding.

Data Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center

In Utah, long-term rainfall, rapid spring snowmelt, dam breaks, and flash flooding are the four primary ways floods occur [4]. No matter how it occurs, flooding can be extremely dangerous to the health of Utah citizens. In terms of climate change, the data regarding how climate change may affect flood frequency is minimal. The EPA reports that the number of heavy rainfall occurrences has increased and these occurrences lead to increased flooding events. Yet, the EPA recognizes that this is not happening in all areas [5]. Whether it is an abundance of snowmelt runoff, a heavy thunderstorm, or dam failure, floods can negatively affect public health in a number of ways. One of the primary concerns is contaminated drinking water. Floods can move massive amounts of debris and compromise sewage systems, which can contaminate the drinking water supply. Waterborne diseases such as giardia are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water (polluted with fecal matter) and can cause debility and even death. Stagnant flood waters can become a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases, like West Nile virus, that could impact individuals who are displaced by a flood. Severe floods can knock over power lines and damage homes, allowing the release of hazardous chemicals into the community [6]. Other health concerns include drowning and injuries directly related to flooding.

Data Notes

Flash flood: A flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, urban streets, or mountain canyons sweeping everything before them. They can occur within minutes or a few hours of excessive rainfall. They can also occur even if no rain has fallen, for instance after a levee or dam has failed, or after a sudden release of water by a debris or ice jam [7]. Flood: An overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Pooling of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks [7]. Urban/Small Stream Flood: This advisory alerts the public to flooding which is generally only an inconvenience (not life-threatening) to those living in the affected area. Issued when heavy rain will cause flooding of streets and low-lying places in urban areas. Also used if small rural or urban streams are expected to reach or exceed bankfull. Some damage to homes or roads could occur [8].

Data Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center

References and Community Resources

Citations: 1. G. Dingman, Predictive Services, February 15, 2012, personal communication with staff. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). Emergency preparedness and response: Wildfires. Retrieved March 7, 2012 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires. 3. National Park Service (n.d.). Fire Classifications. Retrieved on April 8, 2015 from http://www.nps.gov/fire/wildland-fire/learning-center/fire-in-depth/classifications.cfm 4. Barjenbruch, K., McInerney, B., Watanabe, J., & Siebeneck, L. (2008). Utah natural hazard handbook: Floods/flash floods. Retrieved March 7, 2012 from Be Ready Utah: http://beready.utah.gov. 5. Environmental Protection Agency (2011). Climate change - Science, temperature changes. Retrieved March 13, 2012 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/recenttc.html. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Emergency preparedness and response: Floods. Retrieved March 7, 2012 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods. 7. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (2010). Definitions of flood and flash flood. Retrieved on April 8, 2015 from http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mrx/hydro/flooddef.php. 8. National Weather Service (2009). Glossary: Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory. Retrieved on April 8, 2015 from http://w1.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?word=urban+and+small+stream+flood+advisory.