By Philanthropy California
This summer’s heat wave in California highlights the urgency for effective heat management strategies in our communities. Record-breaking temperatures swept across the state, resulting in widespread power outages, strained healthcare systems, and agricultural losses. Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, homeless, and low-income communities, faced increased health risks, with reports of heat-related illnesses and deaths surging. As climate change continues to drive extreme weather events, the need for comprehensive and accessible resources to combat extreme heat has never been more critical.
In recent months, there have been a number of federal and state initiatives relating to extreme heat, including:
- a petition to FEMA—the Federal Emergency Management Agency—advocating for updated rulemaking on emergency declarations for extreme heat and wildfire smoke;
- newly proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heat protection;
- a report from the California Insurance Commissioner on the financial costs of extreme heat in California;
- a new center for excellence for heat resilience housed at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs;
- ongoing implementation of California’s Extreme Heat Action Plan;
- ongoing development of California’s Extreme Heat Ranking System; and more.
While federal and state initiatives are critical to shape policies around extreme heat, at the grassroots level, nonprofits, community-based organizations, Tribes, and Tribal organizations play a vital role in supporting communities during extreme heat events. Below are some practical resources that can help organizations like yours better prepare for and respond to extreme heat and its impacts.
Shared Messaging Resources for Extreme Heat
- Heat Ready California’s Shared Preparedness Messaging Toolkit – contains flyers, fact sheet, social media graphics, talking points, and more
- Listos California Extreme Heat Social Media Press Kit
- Listos California Extreme Heat Messaging in Various Languages
- Indian Health Service Extreme Heat Toolkit for Tribes
Cooling Centers and Heat Risk Assessment Tools
State and Local Safety Resources and Programs:
- CA state parks for water safety and life vest loaner program
- California Volunteers Neighbor Check Ins
Addressing extreme heat requires a collaborative, cross-sector effort. Ensuring that communities are well-informed about heat risks, safety measures, and available support can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat. Together, we can foster resilience and safeguard the well-being of all Californians in the face of rising temperatures due to climate change.
Do you know of any other resources that should be added to the list? E-mail us using our contact form and let us know!