DENVER, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report released this week reveals Colorado is taking important action to face significant and increasing risks posed by changing levels of extreme weather, including extreme heat, drought, wildfires, inland flooding and coastal flooding. Colorado received an overall B for States at Risk: America's Preparedness Report Card, prepared by the States at Risk Project, a collaboration of ICF International and Climate Central.
States at Risk measures risk and examines preparedness actions for threats each state faces – Colorado scored an overall B, receiving a B for extreme heat and a B+ for drought.
"Colorado farmers and ranchers are acutely aware of the effects of extreme heat and drought," said Bill Midcap, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (970.768.0182). "The agriculture industry in Colorado generates more than $5 billion dollars annually for the state, and we have a responsibility to protect the industry and the families that work hard every day to keep that engine running."
Extreme weather threats particularly affect the elderly, the impoverished and other vulnerable populations. Colorado has nearly 700,000 people 60 years and older or under 6 years old living below the poverty line – making them especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
"Our firefighters see firsthand the danger and devastation of wildfires in Colorado," said Kent Maxwell, training coordinator at Firecamp, Inc., a facility that trains firefighters (719.539.9329). "We know we cannot eliminate this risk completely but better preparing our communities and state will help keep firefighters safe too."
States at Risk provides a grade to each of the 50 states based on the unique profile of threats the state faces. Grades are based on both the magnitude of the current and future threat and the action states have taken to prepare for them.
For a full list of state grades, visit www.statesatrisk.org.
About States at Risk: America's Preparedness Report Card
States at Risk: America's Preparedness Report Card is the first-ever quantitative assessment of how prepared the 50 states are to face risks posed by changing levels of extreme heat, drought, wildfires, inland flooding and coastal flooding linked to climate change. The Report Card is designed to help provide a path forward for states to assess risks and build and implement action plans to increase their preparedness levels. Learn more at www.statesatrisk.org.
SOURCE States at Risk
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