Extreme Heat

Work with utility companies to increase the amount of electricity from renewable sources to improve air quality, diversify power sources and increase the resilience of the power grid. Ensure public safety and emergency response professionals have the necessary tools to provide care, outreach and referrals during extreme heat events. Integrate climate change planning and solutions into emergency planning and preparedness, with a focus on heat and flooding. Construct splash pads and cooling fountains for residents in vulnerable areas to help them manage extreme heat. Ensure there are sufficient emergency response personnel in rural areas during extreme heat events. Create a safety plan in accordance with FEMA's Incident Command System (ICS) requirements. ICS provides an organizational structure capable of responding Adopt design standards that reduce heat absorption by building roofs and sides. For example, incentivize white or green roofs. Require that all publicly funded properties be energy efficient. Launch a “Green Alleys” program. The program could offer garden materials and help coordinate volunteer labor to residents wanting to convert neighborhood alleyways to green space or green infrastructure. Require the use of solar power and battery storage – either on individual units or as a community installation – on new affordable housing developments to help residents reduce energy bills as extreme Create a partnership agreement with ride share programs and the bus system to pick up residents and visitors during extreme heat events and deliver them to air-conditioned facilities. Ideally, programs Increase adoption of distributed energy resources such as solar and wind by lowering financial and regulatory barriers to permitting and development. When installed with battery backup or emergency power Temporary relocation of vulnerable populations during extreme heat events (follow same model as code purple/extreme cold) Partner with community groups to proactively reach out to vulnerable people before and during extreme weather. Encourage and incentivize the use of pervious landscaped surfaces in new and existing development. Pervious, or permeable, surfaces help manage stormwater on-site and absorb less heat than impervious Include increasing temperature in the design calculation for maximum temperature /rating Create and invest in strategic pre-disaster plans for post-disaster recovery. Install pavement sensors for extreme heat and road failure. Work with agricultural organizations to help farmers identify and adjust to changes in pest management, cropping patterns, water management and other on-farm practices that may be required as precipitation Install refillable water stations at parks, trailheads, community centers and outdoor sport facilities to encourage proper hydration and protection against heat-related illnesses.