Hastings-on-Hudson's Climate Vulnerability Assessment

1. Overview

Climate change presents threats to Hastings-on-Hudson and residents may already be experiencing some of those impacts. To prepare for the future and ensure Hastings-on-Hudson remains a resilient and safe community, the Village is developing a Climate Vulnerability Assessment. The assessment focuses on identifying what aspects of Hastings-on-Hudson may be susceptible to climate hazards—and how adaptable or ready our community is to face them.

Because climate change can impact many aspects of our community, the questions are grouped into community systems, such as food, energy, and jobs. Your answers are entirely based on your perceptions. There are no right or wrong answers. You can skip any question, except the first 3 starred questions. Your responses will remain completely anonymous. This survey should take you 10-15 minutes to complete.

Your answers to this Survey, as well as follow-up open community planning meetings on April 13th & 16th at the James Harmon Community Center, will help inform the development of the Village's climate adaptation strategies. Please join us on April 13th & 16th to discuss the results of the Survey, as well as discuss specific community assets in more detail.

Survey Sections
1. Hazard Identification
2. Food
3. Water
4. Energy
5. Transportation and Housing
6. Jobs and Economy

7. Natural Resources and Open Spaces

8. Vulnerable Populations
9. Village Government Services and Civic Preparedness

Background Information

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* Do you live in Hastings-on-Hudson?

Yes

No, I used lived in Hastings-on-Hudson, but have moved elsewhere.

No, I have never lived in Hastings-on-Hudson.

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* How many people live in your household?

Only me

Myself and one other person

Myself and two other people

Myself and three other people

Myself and four or more others

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* What is your age range?

Under 18 years old

18-25 years old

26-34 years old

35-49 years old

50-64 years old

Over 65 years old

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how much of a threat do you think climate change is to the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson? (1 star = Minimal threat, 5 stars = Significant threat)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how much focus do you think our community should give to issues of sustainability and adaptation to climate change? (1=Minimal focus, 5=Significant focus)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

Hazard Identification

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* Over the past three years, have you experienced or observed any of these hazards occurring directly within the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson? Click all boxes that apply.

Extreme hot days (greater than 95°F)

River flooding

Drought (dry weather that persists long enough to cause problems, such as water supply shortages)

Groundwater flooding

Heat waves (5 or more consecutive days exceeding 90°F)

Flash floods

Insect infestation (ticks, beetles, etc.)

Forest fires

Different seasonal patterns (i.e. shifts in snowfall, plant or wildlife cycles, etc.)

Hurricanes

Invasive species

Other

If you marked "Other", please specify.

Local Food Systems

Why is this section included?

Food security can be impacted by climate hazards. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: I have sufficient access to healthy and affordable food. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how confident are you that your food supply can adjust and respond to extreme climate events? (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* Provide any additional information relating to climate change and Hastings-on-Hudson's food systems (or skip to next section).

Local Water Systems

Why is this section included?

The number of extreme precipitation events is predicted to considerably increase over the coming decades, meaning rain may be more concentrated at certain times of year with heavier rainfall at those times, leaving other parts of the year drier than in the past. Predicted warmer winters will also mean less snow. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: My household currently has enough clean water to meet its basic needs. (1 = Completely disagree, 5 = Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1 to 5, rate: My household conserves as much water as possible. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how confident are you that Hastings-on-Hudson's local water systems can adjust and respond to extreme climate events? (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* Provide any additional information relating to climate change and Hastings-on-Hudson's water systems (or skip to next section).

Local Energy Systems

Why is this section included?

To cut climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions from energy, we have two real options: use less energy (energy efficiency and reduction of demand), and produce energy more cleanly (renewable energy). Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate Hastings-on-Hudson: My household has enough energy to meet its basic needs. (1 = Completely disagree, 5 = Completely Agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how confident are you that Hastings-on-Hudson's energy supply can adjust and respond to extreme climate events? (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: My household conserves as much energy as possible. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* Provide any additional information relating to climate change and Hastings-on-Hudson's energy systems (or skip to next section).

Local Transportation and Housing

Why is this section included?

Having sustainable transportation and affordable housing options helps mitigate effects of climate hazards. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate Hastings-on-Hudson: There are sufficient options for affordable housing in Hastings. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate Hastings-on-Hudson: People in my neighborhood have access to jobs, schools, open space, fresh produce, and key services via walking, biking, and/or public transit. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5: how confident are you that the transportation systems on which you rely can adjust and respond to extreme climate events? (1=Not confident, 5=Very confident)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* Provide any additional information relating to climate change and local transportation or housing (or skip to next section).

Local Jobs and Economy

Why is this section included?

Climate change causes wide-ranging impacts to crops, infrastructure, and more, which can create economic instability that can lead to unemployment and economic recession. Meanwhile, a strong independent small businesses community contributes to economic resilience for Hastings-on-Hudson, producing a wide range of goods and services. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* Do you work inside or outside of Hastings-on-Hudson?

I work within the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson.

I work part-time in Hastings and part-time in another location.

I am retired.

I am a student.

I work in a different city, town, or village.

If you work outside of the Village, please specify your work location.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: My household currently has access to sufficient income to sustain itself. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: extreme climate events are likely to interrupt my job or to place a strain on our household finances. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how confident are you that there are effective strategies in place to promote local businesses and protect the local economy from extreme climate events? (1=Not confident, 5=Very confident)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* Provide any additional information relating to climate change and Hastings-on-Hudson economy and jobs (or skip to next section).

Natural Resources and Open Spaces

Why is this section included?

Climate change can have an impact on natural resources and open areas, such as rivers, parks, fields, and forests. These resources can help protect residents against extreme weather by providing shade and reducing heat, as well as by reducing the carbon footprint of the Village. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate Hastings-on-Hudson: Our Village has sufficient access to natural resources and open spaces? (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate Hastings-on-Hudson: Our community strives to protect our natural resources. (1=Completely disagree, 5=Completely agree)

Please comment on which natural resource or area you considered when answering this question.

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate: how confident are you that Hastings-on-Hudson's natural resources will adjust to extreme climate events? (1=Not confident, 5=Very confident)

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

Vulnerable Populations

Why is this section included?

Climate change has a more significant impact on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, poor, or those with underlying health conditions. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

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* On a scale of 1-5, rate Hastings-on-Hudson: Our community strives to protect our vulnerable populations.

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

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* On a scale of 1-5, How confident are you that Hastings-on-Hudson will be able to take care of vulnerable populations in the face of an extreme climate event? (1=Not confident, 5=Very confident)

Please comment on which populations you believe to be the most vulnerable to an extreme climate event.

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* Mark below if you do not know or need more information.

I don't know.

Town and Village Government Services and Civic Preparedness

Climate change can have an impact on all of the services the local government provides (for ex: sanitation, police and fire departments, parks and recreation, emergency services) by requiring the government to spend more on infrastructure repairs, and cooling centers. Communities that are well organized to meet basic needs are able to respond to these constraints more easily. Please rate your responses below based on your own perceptions or select "I don't know".

Question Title

* Of the below climate hazards, choose the top 5 that you believe will be most likely to have a future negative impact on our community?

Hurricanes and severe storms

Invasive species

Insect infestation (ticks, beetles, etc.)

Forest fires

Drought (dry weather that persists long enough to cause problems, such as water supply shortages)

Extreme hot days (greater than 95°F)

Heat waves (5 or more consecutive days exceeding 90°F)

Different seasonal patterns (i.e. shifts in snowfall, plant or wildlife cycles, etc.)

Flash floods

River flooding

Groundwater flooding

Other (please specify)