Extreme Heat

The effects of extreme heat are not felt equally across the population. Groups that are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat include:

• People who work outside, lack access to air conditioning, or are experiencing homelessness
• Low-income communities and communities of color
• Infants, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly
• People who are sick, overweight, or suffer from health conditions such as heart disease or mental illness

Local governments and community leaders can take action to reduce the risks posed by hot days and nights to residents.

• Conduct a heat vulnerability assessment to identify local areas and populations that are most likely to be impaired by extreme heat.
• Develop a heat management plan that includes strategies and procedures for responding to periods of extreme heat. Plans can include preventative measures, such as expanding the local tree canopy, as well as emergency measures, such as 24-hour cooling centers.
• Raise awareness among local stakeholders, especially vulnerable populations, to alert residents to the risks posed by extreme heat, symptoms of heat-related illness, and actions to take on high-heat days. Communities can also knock on neighbors’ doors and implement warning systems to inform residents when an extreme heat event is going to occur.
• Implement cooling infrastructure—infrastructure designed to provide shade and reflect sunlight—to reduce ambient air temperatures and heat absorption. Examples of cooling infrastructure include urban trees, green and white roofs, cool coatings on pavements and buildings, pervious pavement, and parking lot shading.