Development of a response guidebook for excessive heat events

With appropriate notification and response programs, the substantial increases in morbidity and mortality that can result from an excessive heat event (EHE) can potentially be avoided. Recognizing this, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the National Weather Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have collaborated to support the development of a guidebook that helps communities evaluate their EHE vulnerability and identify measures that can be implemented to limit the adverse health impacts of EHEs.

The development of this guidebook draws on the experience of the partnering agencies as well as experts involved with the development of EHE watch/warning systems, weather forecasting, EHE public education, and the implementation of EHE response programs.

While an EHE notification and response program needs to account for local weather, political, and social conditions, this guidebook provides a wealth of background information and examples to help prepare interested communities, individuals, and organizations.