What is a key factor in determining community vulnerability to hazardous weather?

A key factor in determining community vulnerability to hazardous weather is infrastructure quality. Well-maintained and resilient infrastructure can significantly influence how a community copes with adverse weather events. High-quality infrastructure, such as stormwater management systems, transportation networks, and emergency services facilities, plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of hazardous weather.

For instance, robust drainage systems can help prevent flooding, while reliable transportation routes enable effective evacuation and emergency response efforts. In contrast, poor infrastructure may exacerbate the effects of disasters, making communities more susceptible to damage and complicating recovery efforts.

The other options, while potentially relevant in certain contexts, do not have the same direct and substantial impact on community vulnerability. Population movement affects demographics and resource distribution but is not a primary factor in assessing vulnerability to hazardous weather. Types of local government can influence policy and preparedness but do not directly correlate with physical vulnerability. Social media presence might facilitate communication in emergencies, but it does not alter the community's physical ability to withstand weather hazards.