Autumn has arrived, and experts are advising communities to develop a heat plan

Heat-related deaths are a major concern in the United States, with approximately 2,300 deaths reported last year. However, a study from Texas A&M suggests that the actual number may be as high as 11,000 deaths. A new pilot program in California aims to improve the heat warning system by providing more timely information to communities to protect people from extreme heat. Efforts such as planting more trees, increasing access to air conditioning, and establishing cooling centers are already underway to combat the effects of heat. Research in the publication Nature is exploring how individual physiology can affect how people react to temperature and humidity. The future may involve personalized weather apps that provide detailed information on when it is safe to engage in certain activities based on an individual’s unique factors. Cities like Los Angeles and Los Angeles County are developing Heat Action Plans to address heat-related issues. The state of California has a program in place to support local projects and strategies that increase community resilience to extreme heat. UCLA has received funding to establish a Center for Heat Resilient Communities, which will work with 30 communities over the next three years to create a blueprint for building heat-resilient communities. This program aims to help communities prepare and respond to extreme heat events effectively.

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