July 10, 2024 – FEMA and the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies (HHS) are encouraging everybody to plan now and take motion to guard themselves from the risks of heat-related sickness and dying. Excessive warmth is the main reason for dying amongst all weather-related hazards within the U.S., however this well being influence is essentially preventable. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) estimates that not less than 1,220 folks die from heat-related occasions within the U.S. every year. Older adults, younger kids, and people with well being situations akin to bronchial asthma or diabetes are at higher threat for heat-related sickness.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD, HHS Assistant Secretary for Well being, collaborated to supply a PSA emphasizing the significance of staying cool and knowledgeable throughout warmth waves. This consists of staying hydrated, figuring out the place to chill down (locations locally the place you’ll find air-con), by no means leaving folks or pets in parked vehicles, recognizing heat-related sickness and warmth stroke and tips on how to reply, and understanding warmth exhaustion and warmth stroke.

Click on right here for HHS sources to guard communities from excessive warmth.