Connected & Safe Community

Hazards from a changing climate—such as sea level rise and more frequent and intense storms—will bring a cascade of impacts across our community. We have an opportunity to protect the people and places of Yarmouth while fostering a connected, empowered, and just community for all.

Be Part of the Solution

BY THE NUMBERS

25%

of Yarmouth adults over 65 live alone. Older people living alone can face more risks from extreme weather and other disruptions from climate change.

38%

of total households are cost burdened (spend more than 30% of income on housing).

20-30

more days each year of high heat (over 90 degrees) by 2050 in Maine.

Climate change causes a wide range of public health and safety concerns for both physical and mental wellbeing. The burden of climate change will not be felt equally across the community. People with existing social vulnerabilities, such as seniors or cost-burdened households, will be disproportionately impacted by climate hazards and climate-related health risks such as extreme heat.

We can take steps to protect the services and infrastructure our community depends on while preparing for intensifying impacts of a changing climate. In doing this, we will strive to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need during emergencies and our community is able to be resilient to general disruptions and longer-term challenges

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town organized a network of neighborhood “community hubs” to share information and resources to residents. This is a successful model for how we can leverage community connections to enhance resilience, keep people safe, and adapt quickly in emergencies.

RECENT PROGRESS

Yarmouth Community Garden is the largest community garden contributor to Maine Harvest for Hunger program
The Town has CodeRED, a high speed emergency notification system
Yarmouth Police Department offer a Reassurance Program of wellbeing checks to senior citizens, adults living alone, the infirm, or the disabled within our community

Our action plan

The Climate Action Plan has goals, strategies, and actions that aim to proactively minimize hazards from climate-exacerbated disasters and support a thriving, connected, healthy community.

Read the Plan

Be part of the solution.

Help Neighbors

Donate or get involved with Yarmouth Cares about Neighbors (YCAN).

Reassurance Program

Learn more and sign up for the Town's check-in program.

Climate and Health

Learn more about how climate change impacts health and wellbeing

Get Prepared

Step-by-step resources to prepare your home and family for extreme weather events.

CodeRED

Resilient Homes

You can save money and be more resilient by investing in clean energy and efficiency. Get tips and rebates from Efficiency Maine.