MARO Monthly July 2024 Newsletter: Heat Preparedness
Recognizing extreme heat and its incidence is crucial for public safety and preparedness efforts. According to FEMA's guidance on extreme temperatures, heat waves can significantly impact communities by causing heat-related illnesses, exacerbating chronic health conditions, and even leading to fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues. Recognizing the signs of extreme heat involves monitoring weather forecasts, understanding local climate conditions, and educating the public on symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can manifest rapidly in high temperatures.