Socially Vulnerable Populations Experiences with Wildfire Preparation Programs at Lake Tahoe
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Authors
Murphy, Carlie Kay
Issue Date
2023
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
disability , older adult , socially vulnerable populations , Spanish-speaking , wildfire preparation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Wildfires have been increasing in size and severity, with more people being impacted each year. To prepare communities, wildfire agencies and organizations across the United States are receiving significant public and private funding to expand the amount of information and support services they provide to community members, such as free defensible space inspections, public workshops, and print and online resources. Although wildfire itself does not discriminate against specific community members, wildfire agencies and organizations have failed to adapt existing programs to provide individualized support to socially vulnerable populations, including Spanish-speakers, older adults, and persons with disabilities, who are disproportionately impacted by wildfires each year. Lake Tahoe has experienced several large-scale wildfires in recent years, with the 2021 Caldor Fire having impacted communities significantly. This study seeks to identify how Lake Tahoe wildfire agencies and organizations can adapt their programs to prepare socially vulnerable populations for the inevitable impacts of wildfires.