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The ECMHMP indicates that several specific issues relating to the critical facilities in the Town of Aurora have been identified by Town leadership: • The town is not currently participating in the Federal Readiness and Emergency Management in Schools (REMS) program which would help schools conduct necessary mitigation measures and determine readiness around disasters. • The town has had issues with water supply during hazard events and has had to rely on other municipalities for emergency water supply. With increasing extreme weather and drought, the town needs to first determine the areas that need potable water supply. • The town does not have adequate backup power for the emergency shelter locations on Buffalo Road and Emery Road. These areas are not equipped with electricity and thus are not able to handle emergency shelter needs during disasters. C. Economic Loss Flood events can substantially affect the local and regional economy, disrupting or damaging the building stock, which creates tax loss, impacts to utilities and infrastructure; business infrastructure; impacts on tourism and events; and environmental impacts which can affect many different industries, particularly agriculture. Commercial and industrial buildings may need to be renovated or rebuilt, which disrupts their associated services. The ECMHMP considers debris cleanup in the event of a flood to be a major expense and impact to the economy. Using HAZUS, the ECMHMP estimates the amount of structural debris that would be created during a flood event. Debris includes finishes, such as drywall and insulation; structural, such as wood and brick; and foundations, such as concrete slab and block, rebar, etc. During the 1% annual chance flood event, it is estimated that 296 tons of debris would be created in the Town of Aurora: 191 tons of finishes, 54 tons of structural debris, and 50 tons of foundation. This does not include non-structural debris or debris caused by winds and storms, such as trees, power lines, etc. D. Public Health and Safety Perhaps no impacts are as important as the direct health and safety impacts that floods can have on the public. While floods are dangerous and potentially disastrous, the ECMHMP states that the risk of injury and death is substantially lowered if proper warning, precautions, and communication takes place. Injury is most likely to occur when people try to cross flooded roadways. Dam failure can also take place, which can cause loss of life and property damage, however, these impacts are not discussed in the ECMHMP. Models to estimate the losses associated with public health and safety are not standardized by FEMA, so the best mitigation of these effects is proper education, prevention, and preparation, on the part of both the Town of Aurora and residents. Secondary impacts of flooding and dam failure can be just as catastrophic as the flood itself. The increased moisture, standing water, and lack of ventilation can create a haven for mold to grow, posing a substantial threat to all building occupants, particularly children, expecting mothers, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised. Mold spores can create allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and exacerbate other respiratory issues. In the event of a flood, buildings must be properly cleaned and dried out to prevent mold growth; this is an expense that not all are aware of or able to afford. During flood inundation, floodwaters themselves can become polluted, which can cause many other cascading effects. Pollutants may include sewage, feces, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, asbestos, rusting materials, and other hazardous materials. According to the ECMHMP, health risks associated with flood 119