Clark County EOP Basic Plan 2. Situation and Assumptions 2 Situation and Planning Assumptions Section 2 of this EOP provides the context for the County’s emergency management program and lays the foundation for a risk-driven plan. It profiles the County’s risk environment, identifies specific planning considerations, and describes the predicate assumptions underlying this plan. 2.1 Situation The County is exposed to many hazards that have the potential to disrupt the community, cause damage, and create casualties. Natural hazards to which the County may be exposed include droughts and floods. The threat of a technological or human-caused chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) incident is present as well. Other disaster situations could develop from hazardous material accidents, health-related incidents, conflagrations, major transportation accidents, or acts of terrorism. 2.1.1 Community Profile The Clark County community profile, including geography and climate, demographics and housing, education, transportation, and community events, is identified in the following sections. Information contained in this community profile was provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, and the County. 2.1.1.1 Geography and Climate The County comprises a total area of 8,061 square miles. The climate is generally noted for its long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The lack of neighboring communities can make it difficult to receive support from outside areas within short timeframes. 2.1.1.2 Demographics Historically, 80% of the burden following a disaster has fallen on the public, with a disproportionate amount of that shouldered by vulnerable populations. For emergency planning purposes, children, elderly adults, the disabled, people whose primary language is not English, and low-income residents are considered vulnerable populations. Demographic information for the County is provided below. Based on the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, the population of the County for 2018 is 2,183,310. Table 2-1 presents the County’s population, distinguished between the incorporated cities and unincorporated areas of the County. Of the total population, approximately 24% is under the age of 18, and 13% under 9. Approximately 13% of the total population is 65 years or older. Approximately 10.8% of the total population within the County had incomes below the poverty level. 2-1