​​​TEMP-03

Educate Residents of Disadvantaged Communities on HeatRelated Risks and Strategies to Prevent Heat-Related Illness

Implementation

  • Continue coordinating with the National Weather Service on delivering robust, multi-lingual education and outreach materials accessible across multiple media forms (e.g., radio, text messaging) to publicize the symptoms and dangers of heat-related illness, where cooling centers are located, how to sign up for Sacramento Alert Emergency Notification System, and practical methods for preventing heat-related illness during periods of high heat.
  • The County of Department Public Health should track heat-related illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in order to target education and outreach efforts.

  • Expand partnerships with local governments, nongovernment organizations, churches, and businesses to provide additional cooling centers within disadvantaged communities, where households and residents may not have access to air conditioning during periods of extreme heat.

  • Survey disadvantaged communities to identify community preferences regarding the appropriate location and accessibility of cooling centers, based on proximity to public transit.​

Benefits: Improved outreach regarding safety during extreme heat and establishment of more cooling centers in disadvantaged areas will reduce exposure to heat-related illness. Inclusion in the Sacramento Alert Emergency Notification System informs Sacramento County residents of upcoming heat waves and the locations of cooling centers, which will allow residents to plan for extreme weather.

Timeframe: Near term​


​​​​​​Started

The efforts for this measure have started. ​

Status of Implementation

Sacramento County is an ongoing partner with the National Weather Service as the County's Operational Area coordinator for emergency response and as one of many Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors working with the National Weather Service to improve the nation's readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather, water, and climate events. 

The County Department of Public Health tracks occurrences of heat-related illness and works with other County partners and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to educate vulnerable populations. 

These efforts are supported by the County's newly formed Department of Homeless Services and Housing and build upon partnerships with organizations like Sacramento Steps Forward.  

The County now opens Weather Respite Centers when triggers are met, supports respite centers with communication specifically targeted to inform vulnerable communities, and reinforces this communication through the utilization of specially trained navigators. Additionally, the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services (SacOES) works with County and City partners to map evacuation zones and routes.  These maps are available on an interactive​ web page with downloadable .pdf versions in multiple languages. SacOES also has a multi-media campaign underway to educate residents about the maps, how to sign up to receive alerts, what the hi-lo siren means, and general disaster preparedness.    

SacOES is currently working on a County Evacuation Route Grant of $380,000 for completing wildfire evacuation route projects. Eligible projects include evacuation route planning, implementation, public education, construction, signage, maintenance, and related activities. This is a 22-month grant with the performance period ending March 15, 2024.  An interactive map is available online to access evacuation zone maps. 

Updated 12/15/23 John Lundgren