Kane County Government
How Do I

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HS 1 : Assist climate vulnerable populations throughout the community in preparing for and mitigating climate change impacts.

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HS1-1 Incorporate climate change and CAIP goals into the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).


HS1-2 Create and distribute climate vulnerability related emergency communications/outreach materials available in multiple languages and platforms.


HS1-3 Add climate awareness and preparedness elements to public health programs already aimed at vulnerable populations and low-income households.


HS1-4 Collaborate with partners and municipalities to organize a transportation-assistance program for individuals without access to vehicles.


HS1-5 Develop a toolkit for Emergency Response using the EOM resources available on the Kane County Emergency Management website and state and federal training to publicize the tool kit to ensure residents are aware and have access to the resources.


HS1-6 Conduct, or hire a consultant to conduct a needs assessment of accessible community centers for extreme weather or other emergency situations. Create a development improvement plan, if needed.


HS1-7 Identify a sustainable funding source for increased utility assistance for low-income residents, including support for energy efficiency projects, such as weatherization.


HS1-8 Increase availa​bility​ ​to cooling mechanisms in low-income housing​ and rental units (e.g., air conditioning units, fans, window screens).


HS1-9 Consider establishing or updating Nuisances And Property Maintenance code to manage and mitigate mold​ or fungus. Include references to requirements in rental license.


HS1-10 Establish a Resilient Home inspection referral list to provide voluntary on-site home reviews to identify possible resilience improvements such as flood mitigation strategies, improved weatherization, vegetative shading, etc.  Explore a partnership with other agencies including local governments, public entities, ComEd, and local schools.  Note, this action may be implemented in collaboration with energy efficiency, fuel switching, and solarization actions in the Buildings and Energy section of this plan.


HS1-11 Collaborate with partners to ensure public safety staff is properly trained to recognize and respond to physical and behavioral signs of heat related illness. Conduct, or hire a consultant to conduct climate change impacts and adaptation training for law enforcement, fire, first responders, and utilities.  Promote equity in hazard mitigation​, and emergency response and recovery activities, and consider populations most vulnerable to weather-related emergencies in all plans and exercises, including evacuation routes, transportation for vulnerable population groups, shelter in place locations, back-up power operations, extended access to fuel/power sources and drinking water, etc.


HS1-12 Prepare public health agencies and health care providers to address health impacts of climate change including heat and vector related illnesses and wildfire smoke.