July 10, 2024- FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are encouraging everyone to plan and act now to protect themselves against the dangers of heat-related illness and deaths. Extreme heat is the leading cause of death among all weather-related hazards in the U.S., but this health impact is largely preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 1,220 people in the U.S. are killed by heat events each year. Older adults, young children, and those individuals with health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes are at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD, HHS’s Assistant Secretary for Health teamed up to create a PSA highlighting the importance of staying cool and staying informed during heat waves including staying hydrated, knowing cooling options (places in the community to find air conditioning), never leaving people or pets in parked cars, recognizing heat-related illness and heat stroke and how you can respond, understanding heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Click here for HHS Resources to Protect Communities From Extreme Heat.