Heat-related deaths pose significant public health risks

Heat has become a significant public health threat, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicating that 273 people died from heat-related causes between 2015 and 2024. This makes heat the deadliest weather event recorded.

Older populations are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to difficulties in acclimating to temperature changes. This risk is heightened for low-income, elderly residents in urban areas who face the “urban heat island” effect, characterized by high concentrations of buildings and paved surfaces with limited green space and poor ventilation.

In emergencies where air conditioning is unavailable, experts suggest DIY cooling measures, such as building makeshift air conditioners from household items, to mitigate the dangers of extreme heat.