The Dangers of Extreme Heat
This July has been the hottest in human history, and extreme heat has impacted most of the US. The groups most at risk from high temperatures include seniors, children, and people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, there are few protections for outdoor workers.
- Health Impacts: Heat is the most deadly extreme weather condition. A recent study found a rise in heart attacks on days of extreme heat and high pollution levels.
- Urban Heat Islands: A new analysis found that about 41 million urban residents experience temperature increases of 8 degrees or more.
- Policies: There is pressure on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to designate extreme heat events as natural disasters. The White House has announced measures to protect workers and vulnerable communities from extreme heat.
Resources & Initiatives:
- HEAT.gov shares information on current conditions, urban heat islands, and planning for heat.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information on extreme heat. This CDC tracker shows where rates of heat-related illness are highest.
- NIHCM’s infographic Climate Changes Health: Extreme Heat highlights solutions to promote heat mitigation and management.
- Here are some tips on keeping kids healthy and on safety in extreme heat.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee share reminders on how to stay safe in the summer heat.