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Many cities have long had plans about how to deal with intense heat waves – systems to alert their citizens and connect them with resources. But amid record-setting heat globally, some experts say more needs to be done.
With Earth breaking average heat records, cities are sure to be giving a fresh look at their readiness plans for temperatures that can kill.
Natural disasters can be dramatic, but heat is more deadly. Chicago learned that the hard way in July 1995, when a weeklong heat wave killed more than 700 people. Chicago has since developed emergency heat response plans. But experts warn those steps might not be enough in a world that is seeing heat records consistently shatter.
Climate experts warn cities' steps to provide heat relief might not work as heat records shatter and with inequality in who's most vulnerable.
Natural disasters can be dramatic — barreling hurricanes, building-toppling tornadoes — but heat is more deadly. Many cities are beginning to plan a response to the looming dangerous heat.