A detailed survey conducted in East Palo Alto by San Mateo County Health and the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District revealed that residents are prepared for emergencies, but many face barriers.
Since climate change may increase the frequency of natural disasters and contribute to the increase in mosquitoes due to warm weather and increased rainfall, the survey sought comments on the prevalence of mosquitoes and other pests, extreme heat, increased of sea level and flooding, forest fires and air quality.
Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), epidemiologists and local governments use a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) to plan emergency response and assess resources, needs and community perceptions.
Compared to the general San Mateo County population, East Palo Alto residents have lower income levels, less access to health care, and higher rates of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic than other cities in the county.
Half of residents in the survey said they had an emergency kit with supplies to prepare for a power outage, earthquake or other disaster, while 58 percent had signed up for SMC Alert, the city's emergency alert system. county to warn the public of imminent threats and evacuation notices.
The survey delved into the details of households' emergency preparedness, asking whether residents kept copies of important documents (38.9 percent), identified an out-of-town emergency contact (34.2 percent), and had an emergency communication plan for family and friends to stay. in contact (32 percent).
Other questions probed preferred ways to receive emergency alerts (text messages, 44.8 percent) and communication barriers during an emergency. 75 percent reported no barriers, while 16 percent of respondents cited difficulty with English as a challenge.
The report The survey recognizes the significantly lower median household income for East Palo Alto residents ($96,349), compared to the county as a whole ($136,837), which contributes to greater vulnerability, especially when faces climate change.
The analysis also states that ?Like surrounding regions, East Palo Alto is also experiencing a greater number of extreme heat days in a year, which can cause heat-related illnesses or exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions among vulnerable populations, including older people and young children?
While emergency preparedness indicators were relatively high, residents were largely unaware (74.5 percent) of utility assistance and rebate programs to help with air conditioning.
The proportion of adults without health insurance coverage in 2019 was 23.6 percent, compared to 12.1 percent in the county.
And, despite data suggesting the need, few residents were aware of the free services of the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District, which residents can call for help with mosquito, rodent, wasp, and mosquito problems. wasps.
“Our district's work is data-driven,” said Brian Weber, Vector Control district manager. “The data in this report will help us strategically strengthen our outreach efforts so residents are more aware of the taxpayer-funded services we provide to everyone who lives in the county.”
Conducted over three days in October 2022, trained field interviewers conducted a rapid needs assessment called CASPER in English and Spanish, following a methodology to ensure randomly selected and geographically representative households.
“The data is really valuable in helping local governments and community organizations identify gaps and opportunities for greater participation,” said Karen Pfister, county health epidemiology program manager and one of the CASPER project leaders.
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