High Heat Response

Resources and ways churches can help prepare and respond to extreme heat

Dangers of High Heat

High heat is commonly thought of as a danger to the very young and the elderly, primarily in urban areas. However, data provided by the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University points out that rural areas and small towns have the highest rates of heat-caused health issues. The threat posed by high heat is equal across all demographics and all locations, and males between the ages of 17 and 35 are the most likely to suffer from direct heat-caused illness. Learn more about the dangers of direct heat-caused illness, including the most common symptoms.

In addition to direct heat-caused illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, exposure to high heat increases risks in seemingly unrelated areas. The strain of trying to stay cool increases stress on the body, increasing the likelihood of cardiac events such as heart attacks or strokes. Some common medicines used to treat problems like high blood pressure or depression, and more, negatively affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Exposure to high heat increases the risks of birth complications and defects in pregnant women. Mental health is adversely affected by high heat, and instances of domestic abuse increase with the temperatures.

What is a Cooling Location?

The easiest way to fight heat is to spend time inside a climate-controlled building with a temperature of 79℉ or cooler. This gives the body the chance to regulate its temperature back to safe levels. At its simplest, a cooling location is a place where people can do this.

Cooling locations can offer more than just a place to sit in the air conditioning. Providing cold water to drink, wet washcloths and towels, tubs for soaking feet, internet access, entertainment for children, and more are great ways to help people beat the heat and potentially save lives.

View guidelines for setting up your church as a cooling location→

Is your church interested in becoming a cooling location?

Complete an interest form, and we will work with you to help you get started. Please know that filling out this form does not commit you or your church to anything; it simply lets us know that you are interested in the idea.

Find a Cooling Location

Resources

Information and printable resources about extreme heat to share with your congregation or hand out at community events. If you need copies of the flyers, please contact Rev. Jarrod Davis.