June 2 marks Heat Action Day, a global initiative hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This annual event raises awareness about the growing health risks associated with extreme heat and promotes practical actions that individuals and communities can take to stay safe. This year’s theme focuses on recognizing and responding to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

Extreme Heat 

In 2024, the world experienced the hottest year on record. In the United States, extreme heat events claimed more lives than hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined, making heat the deadliest weather-related hazard in the country. A broad range of the population, including children, older adults, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, low-income communities, and people with chronic illnesses are at risk. These groups often experience higher rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations during extreme heat events due to heat-related illnesses, or preexisting health conditions that are worsened by extreme heat exposure. 

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat-related illnesses exist on a spectrum, and symptoms can escalate quickly if early warning signs are ignored. Two of the most serious conditions are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. If it’s not addressed immediately, it can cause permanent damage to an individual’s brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer treatment is delayed the higher the risk is for serious complications or death.

Heat exhaustion, while less severe, can progress to heat stroke if left untreated. It occurs when the body overheats and loses excessive fluids resulting in an inability to cool down through sweating. Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion early and taking proactive measures are essential to protecting individuals during extreme heat events.

Local Health Departments’ Role 

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are preventable, and local health departments (LHDs) play an important role in educating the public and sharing timely, lifesaving information. Ensuring that individuals have the appropriate information and resources to prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses can help reduce the number of people affected. If your LHD is just beginning its journey in developing extreme heat materials, consider adapting existing resources (see resources below) to meet the specific needs and capacities of your community.

Whether you already have an extreme heat plan or are just beginning to develop one, today is a great time to consider local heat action strategies and ways to equip the public with the tools to recognize and address heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Preparing for Extreme Heat Resources

• Draft Community Heat Action Checklist: A Tool for Local Governments (The White House)
• Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness - English (CDC)
• Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness - Español (CDC)
• Staying Safe During Extreme Heat (Heat.gov)
• Extreme Heat: Preparedness Checklist - English (American Red Cross)
• Extreme Heat: Preparedness Checklist - Español   (American Red Cross)
• What Should You Do Before Extreme Heat Occurs?(American Red Cross)
• A Maturity Model for Heat Governance (Heat.gov)
• Child Heatstroke Prevention: Prevent Hot Car Deaths (NHTSA)
• Beat the Heat: Staying Safe in Extreme Conditions (Public Health Communications Collaborative)
• Heat Illness Prevention Campaign | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Extreme Heat | Ready.gov

Want to see more resources on extreme heat from NACCHO and partners? Search “heat” on NACCHO’s Resource Hub and Toolbox. 

Don’t see a resource listed above? Contact [email protected] for support.