title: Municipal heat wave response plans.
abstract: Approximately 400 people die from extreme heat each year in the United States, and the risk of heat waves may increase as a result of global climate change. Despite the risk of heat-related morbidity and mortality, many cities lack written heat response plans. In a review of plans from 18 cities at risk for heat-related mortality, we found that many cities had inadequate or no heat response plans. This is an important area for further investigation and government attention.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McGeehin
mesh_terms: D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009111:Local Government; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D013474:Sunstroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data