The Fight for Controlling Extreme Heat

 National Level

At a national level, The National Weather Service (NWS), is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Department of Commerce which was founded in 1870. The NWS's mission is to protect the economy, life and property while also help with providing those in the United States with forecasts, warnings, water, climate data, and weather (NOAA’s National Weather Service, n.d.). NWS's goal is to help those understand the dangers of extreme heat and how to prepare for it as it pertains to heat safety resources. The website is intended to help prepare for those extreme heat events, inform about the health dangers of heat, what to do in a heat wave, educational materials, and games/activities for children to help them stay out of danger of the heat (NOAA’s National Weather Service, 2022).

One of the community interventions provided was an Excessive Heat Event Guidebook which was developed in 2006 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminrationan (NOAA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This guide gives communities such as public health officials, emergency management organizations, meteorologists, and community officials information about how to develop one's own mitigation plan to help with preparing for the extreme heat and knowing how to respond to it. Within the guidebook, responses include having phone lines available to call when reporting any heat-related health concerns, broadcasting heat exposures symptoms with tips, making sure that public/private buildings have air conditions for shelters, better transportation centers, extending operation hours at community centers, have extra staff for emergency support services, increase outreach to homeless shelters, evaluate environmental conditions, suspend utility shutoffs, and rescheduling of public events when the weather is too hot (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], n.d.). Other methods to help reduce the severity of HRI, it’s recommended to sip cool water, wear loosen clothing, move to cooler areas as needed, and seek medical help as a last option.  As heat-related illnesses can be prevented, being informed about what the dangers are, along with being prepared for it can help with reducing the effects of extreme heat. 

Local Level

In a local setting, the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), was established in 1846. DCHHS's mission is to help protect the health of those who live in Dallas County, by doing assessments, community education, promoting healthy behaviors, promoting environmental health, health services, regulation, disease monitoring, disease prevention, and intervention (Dallas County Health and Human Services [DCHHS], n.d.). DCHHS has multiple cooling locations throughout the county to help assist with keeping those cool down in Texas summer heat and also providing meals at certain locations. DCHHS also provides information about general tips for the heat, protecting the elderly, families, neighbors, and pets. DCHHS started a program called Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), to assist in any weather-related hazards. The purpose of the program is to help with addressing health and safety needs, offer small home repairs for the installation of AC units, and also reduce energy usage (DCHHS, n.d.). One of the programs for beating the heat consists of providing an emergency window air condition program to those who are low-income residents (DCHHS, n.d.). As heat-related deaths can be prevented, it’s good to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion consists of dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. Heat stroke consists of confusion, dizziness, and being unconscious. Knowing the signs and symptoms can lead to acting fast which can consist of staying hydrated, dressing for the heat, taking more rest breaks often, finding cool shaded areas, and seeking medical help if needed.

In the section provided below, is an infographic in regards to extreme heat. Infographic on the services The National Weather Service (NWS) provides along with the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) for Dallas County. This can be shared and downloaded as an educational flyer to provide to those experiencing extreme heat and heat-related illness to help keep the community informed and well educated. 

References: 

DCHHS. (n.d.). Heat safety. Dallas County. https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/heat-safety.php 

DCHHS. (n.d.). Weatherization. Dallas County. https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/weatherization.php 

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Excessive heat events guidebook. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-03/documents/eheguide_final.pdf 

NOAA's National Weather Service. (2022, July 26). Heat safety tips and resources. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service. https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat 

NOAA's National Weather Service. (n.d.). About the NWS. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service.  https://www.weather.gov/about/