Learn More About Healthy Living in Hot Weather
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| Federal Emergency Management Administration – Ready.gov - Extreme Heat Launched in February 2003, Ready is a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to get the public involved and ultimately to increase the level of basic preparedness across the nation. This is their webpage on extreme heat. Visit it to get helpful tips and to familiarize yourself with the terms to help identify an extreme heat/humidity hazard. |
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Florida Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) The BRACE Program is an initiative of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). It seeks to improve the ability of the public health sector to respond to health effects related to climate variability. The program is developing a Florida climate and health adaptation plan in order to assist communities and others in their planning. The program also works to increase public awareness of climate-sensitive health outcomes and healthy actions to reduce risk. Information on this website is particularly useful to public health officials, those in healthcare or related professions. |
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) collaborate to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats. The CDC is an operating component of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Check their website for comprehensive information and useful links for dealing with heat and heat-related related illness at home and on the job. |
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United States Environmental Protection Agency The mission of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the environment in our Country. This part of their website offers great information on living in high temperatures, and on how temperature effect air quality. |
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National Weather Service: Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services The National Weather Service (NWS) has stepped up its efforts to alert more effectively the general public and appropriate authorities to the hazards of heat waves-- those prolonged excessive heat/humidity episodes. Based on the latest research findings, they have devised the “Heat Index” (HI), (sometimes referred to as the “apparent temperature”). The HI, given in degrees F, is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature. The NWS will initiate alert procedures when the HI is expected to exceed 105°- 110°F (depending on local climate) for at least two consecutive days. |
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Federal Alliance for Safe Homes The non-profit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH®) is a consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. This is their webpage on extreme heat, which includes a an interactive Wildfire Wizard tool. You can also use their site to learn about other phenomena for which Floridians must prepare, such as flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning strikes. |
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Firewise Communities NFPA’s Firewise Communities Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire. Firewise is a key component of Fire Adapted Communities – a collaborative approach that connects all those who play a role in wildfire education, planning and action with comprehensive resources to help reduce risk. The program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. |