Extreme heat continues to pose significant challenges for communities nationwide, making preparedness and cross-sector coordination more important than ever. To support these efforts, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) has launched the 2026 Heat Tabletop Exercise Design Challenge, an opportunity for communities to strengthen their heat response planning through tabletop exercises.

The challenge invites local leaders to develop situation manuals for heat tabletop exercises (TTXs) that test how communities respond to extreme heat events. These exercises bring together public health, emergency management, tribal governments, community organizations, and other partners to assess current response capabilities and identify opportunities for improved collaboration.

A unique feature of the challenge is its focus on compounding hazards. Participants are encouraged to design scenarios that consider how extreme heat may intersect with other local risks, helping communities better prepare for complex emergencies.

Up to 40 communities will receive a $25,000 prize to support their efforts. Applications will be evaluated based on factors such as creativity and how well the proposed scenario reflects local conditions and risks. Applications are due by August 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

For local health departments and preparedness professionals, this challenge highlights the value of using exercises to strengthen partnerships, identify gaps in plans, and build resilience before emergencies occur. As climate-related hazards continue to increase, initiatives like this provide valuable opportunities to enhance preparedness and protect community health.

NIHHIS hosted an informational webinar on June 30.  Click here to view guidance and examples for developing situation manuals.

Interested communities can review the challenge details and available planning resources through the NIHHIS Heat Tabletop Exercise Design Challenge announcement.