HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 03-17-2026; 8-h - Approval of the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-h
SUBJECT: Approval of the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan
DEPARTMENT: County Manager's Office
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heat Action Plan Mel Gilles, Sustainability Projects
Presentation Analyst, 245-2626
PURPOSE: To approve the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan.
BACKGROUND: Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United
States, claiming more lives in most years than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. In
Orange County, it poses serious health risks, especially for residents most vulnerable to heat-
related illness, outdoor workers, the unhoused, and those without adequate cooling and insulation
or the means to afford high summer energy bills. As summer temperatures continue to rise and
misconceptions about heat risk persist, the need to cool the community and educate the public
has become increasingly urgent.
The Orange County community is experiencing more days and nights of dangerously high
temperatures. Globally, calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025 were the three hottest years on
record, and in 2024, Orange County experienced twelve (12) days above 95°F - compared to a
historical average of eight (8) days. By the 2060s, that number is projected to increase to 28-41
days annually, along with more days above 90°F and nights above 70°F, limiting the body's ability
to recover and increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
In response, the Orange County Heat Action Plan provides a comprehensive, cross-municipal
strategy to protect residents from extreme heat. The plan outlines coordinated actions before,
during, and beyond the heat season, combining short- and long-term strategies to increase public
awareness, strengthen emergency response, and cool homes and neighborhoods. It builds on
initiatives such as Heat Awareness Week and the Beat the Heat campaign, reinforcing public
education and preparedness efforts.
Upon approval by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the Towns of Hillsborough,
Chapel Hill and Carrboro will also consider approval of the Heat Action Plan for their respective
jurisdictions.
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Recognized by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resilience as a "gold standard"for other
communities, the Plan aligns with state and national best practices and reflects input from
community meetings, survey feedback, and the Orange County Heat Task Force. By encouraging
advance preparation and coordinated action, the Plan aims to reduce health risks and save lives.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the approval of this plan,
though grants and community support will be sought to support portions of it.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION
OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate
Action Plan.
OBJECTIVE 3. Improve educational opportunities for County staff and community
members on climate action and available resources to advance climate action projects.
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and
emergency services to meet the community's evolving needs.
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the 2026 Orange
County Heat Action Plan.
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Acknowledgments
The Heat Action Plan for Orange County came together thanks to the
contributions of many organizations,agencies,groups and individuals:
Heat Cohort Members Dedication
The Heat Action Plan is dedicated to all of those who have lost
Mel Gilles,Orange County Sustainability their lives to heat in Orange County.
Hannah Tuckman,Orange County Emergency Management While writing this plan,we heard stories of these deaths,
Amy Armbruster,Town of Carrboro Climate Action and Sustainability including young athletes and dedicated emergency responders.
John Richardson,Town of Chapel Hill Office of Sustainability and This plan is for them,their families,and those who continue to
Resilience suffer heat impacts.
Phil Cundiff,Town of Hillsborough Safety and Risk Management
Heat Cohort Interns—Lily Knudsen,Sebastian Provencio,Sofia La Moal
Heat Relief Task Force Members
Anne-MarieVanaman,Town of Carrboro,Housing and Community
Development Director
Atuya Cornwell,Chapel Hill Parks and Rec
Jackie Jenks,IFC President and CEO
Jonathan Smith,Orange County Cooperative Extension
Kathleen Shapley-Quinn,Carolina Advocates for Climate,Health and
Equity
Kim Woodward,Orange County EMS Division Chief
Mart Bumgarner,Orange County Cooperative Extension
Melissa Tegeder,Orange County Risk Manager
Stephanie Trueblood,Town of Hillsborough,Public Spaces&
Sustainability Manager
Scarlett Steinert,Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools,Director of Healthful
Living,Athletics&Drivers Education
Steve Naylor,OWASA Safety Manager
Wendi Calvert,Town of Carrboro,Human Resources Safety Officer
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Executive Summary
The plan includes a series of actions intended to provide outreach and
education to the public,enhance emergency response mechanisms,and
cool homes and neighborhoods.Regular reviews and updates ensure
that the plan remains effective and responsive to the needs of the
community.
v \ Outreach and education to prepare and protect the public
Action 1:Public Heat Messaging
Action 2:Outdoor Worker Education
Action 3:Unhoused Education
Action 4:Home Cooling Education
Action 5:Youth Heat Safety Education
Extreme heat poses significant health risks in Orange County,especially Action 6:Medical and Disability Education
to vulnerable populations such as the elderly,children,and those with Action 7:'Cool'Events Promotion
preexisting health conditions.Heat is the leading cause of weather-
related death in the United States.Recent and projected increases Enhanced emergency response mechanisms
in summer temperatures highlight the urgent need to identify and Action 8:Extreme Heat Notification and Communications
implement strategies for managing extreme heat.In response to Action 9:Cooling Centers
these challenges,the Heat Action Plan of Orange County is a
comprehensive and proactive approach to protecting our community Action 10:Cooling Center Transportation
from the impacts of extreme heat. Action 11:Integration of Extreme Heat into the Hazard Mitigation Plan
The plan is designed to capture heat actions that take place when and Emergency Operation Plan
heat is in the forecast,during the heat season,and over the course of Action 12:Neighbor Check-in
multiple years.By working with our partners to implement a range Action 13:Augmentation of Response Operations
of short-term and long-term strategies,the plan aims to increase
community awareness,reduce health risks,and build resilience to rising Action 14:Outdoor Activity Limitations
temperatures. Cool homes and neighborhoods
Action 13:Tree Plantings and Giveaways
Action 14:Water and Shade Access
Action 15:Cool Pavements Implementation
a yr Action 16:Public Green Roofs and Cool Roofs
Action 17:Assistance with Cooling Expenses and Home Weatherization
r - Action 18:Resilience Hubs
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Introduction
Extreme heat is becoming more intense and more frequent in Orange
County.This poses a threat to human health,especially to residents r ;
and visitors who are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses and
to those whose living and working conditions put them at risk for
increased exposure to heat.Rising summer temperatures make it even
more urgent to identify strategies to manage heat.Warmer days make
outdoor activities riskier,especially for those not acclimated to extreme
heat.Rapidly rising nighttime temperatures have been shown to pose
an even greater threat to human health,particularly for people without _ !
the ability to be in an air-conditioned space.A comprehensive heat
action plan is essential to help our community plan for and respond to
extreme heat effectively.
The purpose of the Heat Action Plan for Orange County is to identify
the steps our community can take to prepare residents for excessive In order to achieve these objectives,three central action areas have
heat. been identified.These action areas are:
Central to this plan are the following key objectives: 1. Outreach and education to prepare and protect the public
1. Increase community awareness: 2. Enhanced emergency response mechanisms during acute heat
• Educate the community about the local impacts of extreme heat events
in Orange County 3. Cooling of homes and communities
• Address heat disparities caused by historic discriminatory policies By focusing on these three action areas and outlining specific heat
through inclusive engagement,fair policies,and targeted actions under each goal,this plan aims to create a flexible yet
investments coordinated response to extreme heat across the County,protecting and
2. Reduce Heat-Related Health Issues: preparing the community as temperatures rise.
• Lower the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths Related County and Municipal Plans
• Develop programs and services to protect public health,quality This Heat Action Plan does not operate in isolation,and heat actions are
of life,and the environment without increasing vulnerability to designed to align with and augment existing and future plans in Orange
other hazards or harming health County,Hillsborough,Carrboro,and Chapel Hill.Associated plans
3. Evaluate Education Programs: include but are not limited to the following:
• Assess the effectiveness of education and outreach programs in • Orange County Climate Action Plan
the plan • Chapel Hill Climate Action and Response Plan
4. Enhance Long-Term Resilience: • Carrboro Community Climate Action Plan
• Improve Orange County's ability to cope with long-term warming . Hillsborough Comprehensive Sustainability Plan
trends
• Use green,nature-based solutions when possible and ensure • Emergency Operations Plans
actions are adaptable to future conditions • Eno-Haw Hazard Mitigation Plan
5. Align with Existing Plans:
• Ensure the Heat Action Plan complements existing plans
• Future plans should also consider extreme heat and the Heat
Action Plan in their development
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What is the Risk?
The number of hot days and hot nights is projected to increase in
Orange County.In the past,the County has experienced about 8 days
per year with a high temperature of more than 957 and 17 days where
nighttime lows do not drop below 707.By the 2060s those numbers are
projected to increase to 28 to 41 days above 957 and 47 to 64 nights
with lows above 70°F(see Table 1).This is due to an increased frequency r
of heat waves associated with climate change.Continuous exposure to il fill
heat harms all residents,but particularly those who live in dwellings
without adequate air conditioning or insulation.This continuous
exposure to extreme heat disproportionately impacts vulnerable
populations,including pregnant people,those with preexisting health Who Is Most at Risk?
conditions,unhoused people,the elderly,and children. While everyone is impacted by extreme heat,certain groups have
heightened vulnerability due to underlying health conditions or
Days with Max Temps Over 95'F social or economic factors.Understanding local risk factors and
Between 1983 and 2014, By the 2060s,Orange County which populations are more at risk from extreme heat is important to
on average,Orange County will experience developing a heat action plan that effectively and equitably protects all
experienced high temperatures high temperatures members of our community.
of 950 F or greater: of 95'F or greater: Infants and children:
8 days per year 28 to 41 days per year Infants and children are not able to regulate their body temperature as
effectively as adults.Additionally,infants and young children cannot,or
Between 1983 and 2014, By the 2060s,Orange County cannot fully,communicate that they may be experiencing heat stress.
on average,Orange County will experience Infants and children rely on others to keep them cool and hydrated
experienced high temperatures high temperatures when it's hot outside.
of 90'F or greater: of 90'F or greater:
39 days per year 74 to 88 days per year Outdoor Workers:
People who work outdoors,such as construction workers,agricultural
Nights with Max Temps Over 700 F workers,landscape workers,roofers and HVAC technicians,are exposed
Between 1983 and 2014, By the 2060s,Orange County to heat,often for long periods of time,putting them at increased
on average,Orange County will experience risk from heat-related illnesses.Additionally,outdoor workers may
experienced low temperatures low temperatures have limited control over work conditions(e.g.,no access to shade or
of 70'F or greater: of 70'F or greater: air-conditioning,required clothing or uniforms made from fabrics that
17 nights per year 47 to 64 nights per year don't breathe).Potential language barriers to receiving heat-related
Table 7:A projection of the ways temperature will change in Orange County information may also exist among some outdoor workers.
in the future.Days with temperatures over 95°Fare expected to increase in Pregnant people:
number,and day and night temperatures are predicted to increase as well. Pregnant people are more likely to get heat exhaustion,heatstroke or
other heat-related illnesses sooner than non-pregnant people.This is
Source:https://www.resilienceexchange.ncgov/understand-your- because their bodies must work harder to cool down both the pregnant
vulnerabilities/climate-observations-and-projections person's body and the developing baby.Pregnant people are also more
likely to become dehydrated,limiting their ability to cool themselves by
sweating.Those who are pregnant and are faced with high heat are also
more likely to have preterm births,low birth weight babies,and heat
related illness.
Low income:
Individuals and families with low incomes are more likely to live in
poorly ventilated apartments or mobile homes,lack access to air
conditioners,and be unable to afford the costs of cooling or the cost of
transportation to cool places.
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Persons taking certain medications:
Some medications may make individuals more susceptible to heat.
People with underlying health conditions:
Those with underlying health conditions may be less likely to sense and `K -
respond to changes in temperature.In addition,they may be taking
medications that can make the effects of extreme heat worse.
Unhoused People:
Unhoused people are exposed to heat more so than almost any other
group,as they do not have air-conditioned spaces to escape to during
heat season.This makes them more susceptible to heat-related health
conditions. Snapshot:2025 Heat Season
Older adults(60+): Orange County Emergency Management Services(EMS)experienced its
Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in highest volume of heat-related illness calls since 2019 during the 2025
temperature.In addition,they are more likely to have a chronic medical heat season(April through October).The majority of these responses
condition that changes normal body responses to heat.Older adults involved symptoms of heat stress,including heat exhaustion,fainting,
are also more likely to take prescription medicines that may affect the dizziness,general weakness,and dehydration.
body's ability to regulate temperature or sweat.
Athletes: While most calls involved heat exhaustion,EMS responded to nineteen
People who exercise or spend time outdoors in extreme heat are more cases of the far more serious condition,heatstroke.Heatstroke is a
likely to become dehydrated and get a heat-related illness.This includes life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention
both adult and youth athletes. to prevent permanent organ damage or death.Of all the patients
treated by EMS during this period,nine required immediate transport
to medical facilities using lights and sirens due to the severity of their
condition.The overall number of heat emergencies saw a significant
spike on 7/7/2025,the very hot and humid day that followed Tropical
Storm Chantal.
Number of Orange County EMS Heat Emergencies
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2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year
Figure 1.Orange County EMS received more calls for heat-related illness in the 2025 heat season than in the five preceding years,with 25 more heat-
related illness calls recorded in 2025 than in 2024.
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Number of Heat Emergercies and Minimum/Maxi mum Tern perature in degrees above 60,Orange
County,NC, 61912 0 2 5-B125I2025
40 10
0 35 9
Figure Z:This data suggests that e
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when temperatures increased - '
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quickly or when there were 6
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sustained periods of very hot
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Analysis of recent heat emergency data reveals that heat-related Heat action Plannin -Vulnerability
illnesses did not affect all segments of the population equally.EMS calls Vd�r
showed that male patients were disproportionately affected,accounting
for 64%of the total patient population.The age demographics were
also sharply divided,with elderly individuals(over 55 years of age)
making up a large percentage of EMS calls,while youth between 15
and 20 constituted the second most common group experiencing heat- "dry
related illness. C'
Furthermore,significant racial disparities were observed:approximately
27%of heat emergencies involved Black patients,a figure that is starkly
disproportionate given that this demographic represents only 10.2%of
the overall Orange County population.
Identifying Areas at Risk
Viewing heat risk geographically can show patterns that aid in properly '
diagnosing and addressing heat-related issues.For example,it can b
identify urban heat islands,or heavily developed areas where the J
building materials and a lack of vegetation contribute to higher ambient .,-„.-
temperatures.It can also reveal how past biases can lead to modern day
racial and class disparities.Figures 3 and 4 show the locations in Orange =
County that have higher risk from extreme heat. I
By considering and including these groups in the planning process
SOo[eFvi irvriii ir3�niR IGI Op¢LIneRap
for the heat action plan,interventions like cooling center locations
and hours,public awareness campaigns,and installation of cooling
amenities can be geographically targeted to ensure the needs of people Figure 3. This map shows census tracts in Orange County where our
who are at higher risk for heat illnesses are met. community is most vulnerable to excessive heat. Vulnerability is shown in
the warmer colors and is made up of multiple factors,including income,
age,race%thnicity,English proficiency,renter vs.homeowner,and car
ownership. The map also includes data from the Rural Capacity Index,
which describes a community's ability to meet their immediate needs
and plan for their future.Most of the Countyscores very high in the Rural
Capacity Index,which is good. The only exception is the area in the upper
right outlined in black. This area has a medium index score.Graphic credit:
Dave Almond,Senior 61S Analyst with the Town of Chapel Hill.
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Extreme Heat Season
_ In Orange County,temperatures are typically highest from May to
September each year,a time referred to as the heat season.The
months of the heat season where average temperatures are above
85 are highlighted in yellow.While the exact days when extreme
heat hits will vary from year to year,the typical first and last dates
when temperatures reach 85°F or higher are April 1 and October 1,
75-80°F `` respectively.
80-85°F Average Monthly Maximum and Minimum Air Temperatures for
85-90°F ;�` $ Chapel Hill(1991-2020)
90-96°F * Min Max
January 31.7°F 51.2°F
February 33.8°F 54.8°F
Figure 4:This map,created by Orange County Sustainability to plan future March 40.1 OF 62.7°F
tree planting in Orange County,combines Urban Heat Island data from April 48.1 OF 72.2°F
Landsat 8(2022),road network buffers to locate heat-retaining streets,
EPA Disadvantaged Communities data,Social Vulnerability Index,and Tree May 57.0°F 79.1°F
Equity Score for canopy gaps. June 65.3°F 86.3°F
July 69.3°F 89.6°F
Areas in red and yellow on this map,which display the highest August 67.9°F 87.8°F
temperatures,generally also have elevated social vulnerability,low September 62.2°F 81.9°F
tree canopy,and high vulnerability to the effects of urban heat islands. October 49.6°F 72.3°F
These areas would benefit most from tree planting,cool pavements,
cool roofs and green roofs,which are central to the Heat Action Plan. November 39.5°F 62.4°F
December 34.5°F 54.2°F
Table 2:A table of average maximum and minimum heats in Chapel Hill.
This chart illustrates the"heat season,"or the time when temperatures are
highest and most likely to cause health effects.
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Average First and Last Date When Chapel Hill Exceeds Threshold
FIRST DATE
$ Max Heat Index Max Air Temperature Threshold
4/23 4/7 85 F
5/29 5/23 90°F
6/20 7/16 95°F
6/5 7/5 100°F
7/19 NA 105°F
Max Heat Index Max.Air Temperature Threshold
Another way to define the heat season is by examining when 10/6 10/1 85°F
temperatures and heat indices typically reach thresholds that may lead
to heat-related health impacts.The table on the right shows the typical 9/21 9/11 90°F
first and last dates where air temperatures and heat indices exceed 9/11 8/20 95°F
given thresholds. 8/21 7/5 100°F
While heat has impacts on health and community well-being during 7/28 NA 105°F
and outside of the heat season,the heat season is typically when
rates of heat-related illness are at their highest—especially during Table 3:A table showing the dates of when threshold temperatures are
the beginning of the heat season,when people are less prepared for reached in Chapel Hill. This table also illustrates the"heat season"in
extreme heat's effects. Chapel Hill.
It is important to note that extreme temperature events have increased Data from State Climate Office of North Carolina https://products.climate.
in frequency and severity since this data was published in 2020 and are ncsu.edu/cardinal/scout/
expected to continue to increase in the future.Extremely hot days are Note:The earlier average first date for 100°Fdays compared to 957days
now routine in April,May,September and even October.As shown in likelyreflects the smallersample size ofyears in which the 1007threshold
Figure 5,heat-related emergencies and emergency department visits was met or exceeded,rather than a true climatological trend.
frequently occur early in the heat season when people are neither
acclimatized to nor prepared for extreme heat events.
Figure 5. Emergency Department Visits for Heat-related Illness and Max Heat Index
North Carolina Statewide:May 1 - September 30,2025
300
190
5 250
170
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N 150
110 E
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Dates
+Emergency Dept.Visits for Heat-related Illness --*--Max Heat Index
Figure 5.A line graph displaying the correlation between emergency department visits over the heatseason in the state of North Carolina.Increases in
heat index correlate strongly with increases in emergency department visits with the highest number of emergency department visits happening earlier
in the heat season.
Source:NC DHHS Heat Report
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What Problems Are Caused by Extreme Heat? Damage to Infrastructure and Resources
Extreme heat can have significant impacts that affect various sectors Energy Demand and Costs:
and aspects of our community.Some key impacts include: High temperatures often lead to higher energy demands for cooling,
which can strain electrical grids and may lead to power outages,
Health and Safety leaving large areas without air conditioning.Increased use of air
• Increased Risk to Health and Safety: conditioning can result in higher energy costs for both households
Extreme heat poses significant health risks,particularly for and businesses.
vulnerable populations such as older adults,children,individuals Infrastructure Stress:
with preexisting medical conditions,and those without access Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause damage to critical
to cooling.Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause infrastructure such as roads,bridges and railways.Heat-induced
dehydration,heat-related illnesses,and exacerbate chronic expansion and contraction of materials can lead to cracks,buckling
conditions.This can lead to increased hospitalizations and,in severe and other structural issues,requiring costly repairs.
cases,fatalities.
• Interactions with Other Extreme Weather Events: Creating This Plan
As seen following Tropical Storm Chantal,the extreme heat season's
heavy overlap with the Atlantic hurricane season can worsen and To create this plan,representatives from Orange County,Carrboro,Chapel
complicate response to concurrent extreme weather events and Hill,and Hillsborough developed amulti-jurisdictional planning team
hazards,including flooding.Extreme heat creates an additional henceforth referred to as the"Heat Cohort."This team participated
danger for impacted persons and first responders and inhibits in a heat action learning cohort coordinated by the North Carolina
response activities,slowing broader recovery. Department of Environmental Quality(NCDEQ)State Resiliency Office.
• Increased Stress on Emergency Response Systems: The planning team worked alongside other municipalities to learn about
Extreme heat events can lead to a surge in medical emergencies, extreme heat,apply it to their municipality,and develop a heat action
such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke,increasing demand on plan that was reflective of Orange County's needs.From this process,the
emergency medical services(EMS),fire departments,and hospitals Heat Cohort created a draft heat action plan.A Heat Relief Task Force
made up of a broad range of stakeholders throughout the County was
• Impact on Pets: convened to evaluate and finalize the plan.Finally,a public comment
Extreme heat can pose serious risks to pets,including heatstroke, period allowed all residents and stakeholders to comment on the plan.
dehydration and burnt paw pads from walking on hot surfaces.It is
essential to provide pets ample shade,water and protection(e.g.,let Next Steps
pets indoors during extreme heat)from high temperatures.
This document includes a comprehensive set of strategies to help
Disruption of Normal Activities residents,especially those in our community who are at increased risk
• Decreased Labor Productivity: for health impacts from extreme heat,withstand the stress of high
High temperatures can lead to reduced productivity among outdoor temperatures.
workers,affecting industries such as agriculture,construction The actions will help communicate heat warnings and ways to stay
and manufacturing.Heat-related illnesses can result in increased safe during extreme heat,teach people to recognize and respond to the
absenteeism and healthcare costs. signs of heat stress,help lower outdoor temperatures with trees,green
• Disruption of Transportation: infrastructure and shade,identify which neighborhoods are most in need
High temperatures can impact transportation infrastructure, of cooling centers and outreach,help promote home cooling strategies
particularly air travel.Heat can affect the performance of aircraft and and more.
may lead to flight cancellations or delays. Orange County governments plan to implement as many of these
• Impact on Agriculture: actions as possible over the next five years and beyond.However,we
Plants and animals are also impacted by extreme heat.Crops may cannot do this work alone.We need help from residents,businesses and
experience stunted growth,poor harvests or death due to high community partners.Please contact sustainability@orangecountync.gov
temperatures,especially if combined with lack of rainfall.Livestock if you would like to join the effort to protect residents from heat-related
need adequate shade,water and ventilation to stay cool during health impacts.
periods of high daytime and nighttime temperatures.
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GOAL 1 :
Outreach and Education
to Prepare and Protect
the Public y
Heat-related illnesses and deaths are highly preventable.Successful
education on heat risk is,therefore,one of the most effective ways
to save lives during the heat season.By focusing on public outreach Orange County Community Relations will expand heat-related outreach
and education,we aim to inform residents and visitors of the risks of efforts each heat season,including:
extreme heat exposure and the simple safety measures that may be . A Heat Week proclamation at the end of May
used to make them safer.We also aim to connect residents and visitors
with available resources for limiting heat exposure. • Flyers and signage
Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects • Other non-digital communication methods to reach residents
of extreme heat.Special attention is paid in this plan to some of these without reliable online access
populations—among them outdoor workers and youth.Among the In the future,Orange County aims to expand this messaging strategy
actions incorporated into the plan are public messaging via social using multiple social media platforms,public service announcements,
media and printed materials,education on home cooling strategies, and informational flyers,post cards and brochures.The County will
and promotion of'cool'events,all of which are designed to give also develop materials targeting specific higher risk populations,such
members of the public the resources necessary to prepare for extreme as youth athletes and the unhoused,and distribute these materials at
heat and protect against it.Education and outreach are the first step to targeted locations.
meaningful heat action in Orange County and are central to the Heat In addition to Heat Safety messaging,Orange County will create
Action Plan. messaging which addresses the link between increased heat and fossil
Action 1: Public Heat Messaging fuel usage.
Community Partners:
Educate and inform the public about extreme heat risks and Community Based Organizations,Heat Task Force and database,UNC
resources. School of Journalism,Eco Studio,OC Community Relations
Extreme heat awareness is vital to protecting public health and
safety.Orange County Emergency Management currently maintains, Action 2: Outdoor Worker Education
promotes,and regularly updates the webpage www.orangecountync. Educate outdoor workers and employers of outdoor workers on
gov/Heat with local extreme heat preparedness information, heat safety.
including descriptions of extreme heat and heat-related illness,safety
information,local heat relief resources,and weather forecasts from the Outdoor workers face heightened risk from extreme heat due to:
National Weather Service. • Prolonged exposure to high temperatures
In addition to this webpage,a"Beat the Heat"suite of educational • Limited access to cooling during work hours
messages was developed in 2025 to inform the public about the signs, . Higher likelihood of being low-income or members of marginalized
symptoms and prevention strategies for heat-related illnesses.These communities
awareness messages have been distributed via the OCNCGov Facebook
page and shared by the municipalities to increase residents'awareness Annually,Orange County and local government partners will endeavor
of heat,heat health impacts,and individual safety measures. to increase awareness of heat-related health concerns and adoption of
safe work practices in this population by developing and distributing
educational materials that specifically target individuals who work
outside,such as Public Works employees.The County will also offer
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educational training focusing on the risks of extreme heat for outdoor
workers and how they can protect themselves from extreme heat. ,
The County will support employers with outdoor workers by:
• Encouraging work schedules that begin earlier in the day
• Promoting existing outdoor worker protection policies and
procedures
• Partnering with community organizations to host group meetings
with industry leaders
These meetings will facilitate discussion on:
• How employers are protecting outdoor workers \
• Barriers employers face These materials will be distributed at public centers(e.g.,libraries),
• Additional tools or information that would be helpful places frequented by members of the public(e.g.,coffee shops,
laundromats,barber shops,gas stations and places of worship)and
Community Partners: home improvement stores.Home weatherization efforts,such as
Community Based Organizations and partners including Carolina Farm sealing air gaps around doors and windows,and energy efficiency
Stewardship Association,local Farmer's Markets,Cooperative Extension, strategies,such as setting smart thermostats,can help residents keep
Master Gardeners,OC Ag Summit,Community Gardens,local farms,OC their homes cooler and reduce energy usage and cooling costs.
Communicators Group,Refugee Support Center,Transplanting Traditions The Heat Cohort will coordinate with the State Energy Office's(SEO)
Action 3: Unhoused Education Weatherization Assistance Program(WAP)provider in Orange County,
Central Pines Regional Council,to promote home cooling strategies
Promote heat awareness for Orange County's unhoused and tie into other local and regional campaigns,such as Electrify the
population. Triangle,DSS box fan distribution,and Energy Savers NC.
Unhoused people are at an extreme risk for all weather-related health In addition,information will be provided to residents throughout
conditions,as they do not have consistent access to climate-controlled the heat season about programs for home weatherization or energy
spaces.Heat is no different in this respect,making the unhoused assistance,including:
population a key population to prepare and protect from extreme heat. . Low Income Energy Assistance Program WEAP),a Federal program
Educational materials will be distributed to Orange County's that provides a one-time vendor payment that typically helps
unhoused population through the Orange County Partnership to End eligible households pay their heating bills,but can also be used for
Homelessness.These materials will focus on educating the unhoused on cooling
the resources they have available to them,such as cooling centers and • Weatherization Assistance Program,a program,funded by the US
day shelters.Additionally,educational materials on safe outdoor living Department of Energy and administered by the NC Department of
and harm reduction will be distributed. Environmental Quality,that helps low-income North Carolinians save
Community Partners: energy and reduce their utility bills
Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness,OC Housing,Police . Energy Saver North Carolina programs from the North Carolina State
Departments,and Community Based Organizations like Pee Wee Energy Office,where qualified energy-efficient home improvement
Homes,IFC,and Club Nova
may be eligible for apoint-of-sale rebate
Action 4: Home Cooling Education This information will increase residents'preparedness for extreme heat
and access to existing home-cooling resources.
Promote home weatherization and energy efficiency
strategies. Community Partners:
NC Dept.Of Environmental Quality State Energy Office,Central Pines
The Heat Cohort and Task Force partners will develop educational Regional Council,Duke Energy,Piedmont Electric,EBERP,DSS,Energy
materials,including brochures and signage,about home cooling Savers NC
strategies beyond air conditioning,such as closing blinds or curtains
and avoiding turning on ovens during the hottest times of the day.
Materials promoting home cooling strategies will be created prior to the
beginning of the heat season and distributed to local organizations and
businesses in April and May.
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Action 5:Youth Heat Safety Education
Distribute youth heat safety workbooks and educational
materials.
Orange County will create digital and hard copy materials with key heat
safety information,including heat safety workbooks.These materials
will also be available in Spanish.These educational materials will be
distributed prior to the heat season,and distribution sites will include
schools,Little Free Libraries,community centers,children's museums
and pediatric offices.Specific information will be specifically targeted at .®s
youth athletes,coaches,parents,and athletic directors.
Cooperative Extension,school districts,and city parks and recreation Action 7:"Cool"Events Promotion
will be recruited to assist with distribution.Electronic versions will
be distributed through the Orange County Heat website,community Plan for and promote community events taking place in air-conditioned
partners'websites,and community social media groups.Distribution spaces.
sites will be revisited monthly during the heat season to track Community access to cool spaces is key to the prevention of heat related
workbooks received and distribute additional materials as necessary. illness and preservation of community life and well-being during
By creating and distributing materials targeting youth,the Heat Cohort periods of extreme heat.Orange County Community Relations will
will help to inform,educate,prepare and protect this heat-vulnerable document community events taking place over the summer that occur
population. in air-conditioned spaces or that deliberately offer a place for attendees
Community Partners: to cool off(e.g.,a primarily outdoor festival with an indoor,always-
School districts,libraries,children's museums,pediatric offices, accessible,air-conditioned section).
Cooperative Extension,City Parks and Recreation,DEAPR,Peach Jar, These events will be publicized via linked events on the OCNCGov
YMCA,Chapel Hill Coach's Academy,athletic departments,PTAs, Facebook page and Nextdoor messages when extreme heat is in the
summer camps forecast,as well as with signage around town.By reaching out to the
public about events in their area,Orange County will provide residents
Action 6: Medical and Disability Education with tools to minimize harmful effects of extreme heat.
Distribute educational materials on how heat can interact with Community Partners:
mental and physical conditions. City and County Parks and Recreation,Visitors Bureau,Athletic Directors,
The County aims to create digital and hard copy materials with OC Community Relations,and Community Based Organizations
information on the ways heat can exacerbate preexisting medical
conditions.These materials should address physical,mental,acute,and
chronic conditions,as all can be affected by extreme heat.Additionally, Outreach and Education to Prepare and
these documents will educate about other environmental health Protect the Public-Metrics
factors that can exist synergistically with heat such as particulate Ongoing Actions
matter pollution.These materials will be created in collaboration with
a medical or public health expert.Hard copies of these materials should 1. Social media analytics
be distributed through community centers and local government 2. Number of educational materials developed and
events,as well as consenting medical facilities.Electronic versions will distributed
be distributed through the Orange County Heat website,community Future Actions
partners'websites,and community social media groups.Creating these
materials will educate residents on ways that health conditions may be 1. Number of"cool"events promoted
negatively impacted by heat stress. 2. Number of outdoor workers group meetings hosted
Community Partners: 3. Number of attendees at workers group meetings
Health Department,Medical facilities,Community Based Organizations
like Carolina Advocates
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GOAL 2:
Enhanced Emergency �s -
Response Mechanisms -
r
While many heat actions can occur throughout the heat season,
extreme heat events require rapid response to protect the public and
continue vital operations.In Orange County,an extreme heat event is
defined by the National Weather Service as:
• A heat index of 110°F or higher
• Lasting two or more hours
• Forecasted within the next 36-48 hours
During these events,the County will:
• Issue automated OC Alerts Excessive Heat Warnings Orange County Emergency Management will also disseminate a
• Activate cooling centers with extended hours warning with information about heat index and available resources to
• Release coordinated social media messaging emergency services partners,particularly EMS providers at start of shift,
and alert the public via OC Alerts.Through OC Alerts,all self-registrants
• Implement neighbor check-ins and outdoor activity limitations will be issued a warning and provided collective actions to take to stay
The goal of this section of the plan is to coordinate all heat emergency safe.Orange County will work to further expand the reach of OC Alerts
response actions in Orange County and create a response to extreme by continuing to encourage OC residents to sign up and by increasing
heat events that protects all Orange County residents,especially those the app's usability.
experiencing the greatest vulnerability to extreme heat. Orange County Community Relations,in collaboration with Orange
County Emergency Management,will also alert the public through
Action 8: Extreme Heat Notification and social media messaging.These messages,updated prior to each heat
Communications season,will contain information about forecasted temperatures or heat
Run a Heat Alert System in Orange County. indices and the length of the forecasted heat event.
A Heat Season Temperature Tracking and Extreme Heat Alert System Additional information,including changing signage,prevention and
("Heat Alert System")will be developed by Orange County Emergency treatments for heat-related illnesses,local responses to the heat event
Management to track temperatures daily and inform the local (e.g.,locations and operating hours of heat relief sites),will also be
community,including residents and visitors,government offices, included.These alerts are important to increase community awareness
schools,businesses and organizations that provide health services(e.g., of and preparation for anticipated extreme heat events and their
hospitals),of imminent extreme heat events.This Heat Alert System will impacts.
include implementation of a temperature tracking and alert system and Community Partners:
a directory of local organizations and partners,updated prior to each OC Community Relations,OC Emergency Management,Community
heat season,who will receive heat alert notifications via an app. Based Organizations
When extreme heat is imminent,Orange County Emergency
Management will utilize this directory to alert partners so they may
prepare and implement their own heat relief and support efforts.
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Action 9:Cooling Centers
Expand cooling center program. 4"
Cooling centers are air-conditioned indoor locations intended to provide
refuge to people(and pets,when possible)from the heat during the
day.The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness will identify
public and private locations for cooling centers.These locations will
provide a safe,air-conditioned space for people at risk of heat-related
illness.Where possible,these locations will also extend their normal
hours to cover the hottest parts of the day.The hot weather resources
already identified for the heat season are below. M
To publicize cooling centers from June through August,Orange County
Community Relations and other municipal communications staff will - -
promote these resources on their social media channels according to the
communications plan.Additionally,a flyer with these locations will be -'
placed in libraries and other prominent areas throughout the County.
Hot Weather Resources in Orange County ORANGECOUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SERVICES AVAILABLE
LOCATION iiHOURS
Cooling Phone Charging Wi-Fi Pets Showers Bathrooms
Cedar Falls Park 501 Weaver Dairy Rd,Chapel Hill,NC Open daily:dawn to dusk ✓ ✓
Chapel Hill Public Library 100 Library Dr,Chapel Hill,NC Monday-Thursday:l0am-8pm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Friday-Sunday:l0am-6pm
Garrett Road Park 6815 Garrett Road,Durham,NC Open daily:dawn to dusk(Bathrooms are currently ✓ ✓
undergoing repairs.A temporary bathroom is available)
Hargraves Community Center 216 N.Roberson St,Chapel Hill,NC Park hours:Open daily,dawn to dusk.
Shower Hours:Monday&Wednesday,1 Oam-1 2pm, ✓ ✓
available beginning the second week oflune
Hillsborough Courthouse 106 E Margaret Ln,Hillsborough,NC Monday-Friday:8:30-5pm ✓ ✓
Homestead Aquatic Center 300 Northern Park Dr,Chapel Hill,NC Monday-Friday:6am-3pm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Saturday-Sunday:12pm-4pm
Homestead Park 100 Aquatic Dr,Chapel Hill,NC Open daily:dawn to dusk ✓ ✓
IFCCommons I 10W.Main Street,Carrboro,NC Monday-Friday:10am-6pm,with showers available Monday-
(J Bus Line) Friday 1 pm-4pm.Call(919)-929-6380 for access to hot ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
showers and lockers for secure storage of belongings
Orange County Public Library 137W Margaret Ln,Hillsborough,NC Monday-Thursday:l0am-7pm, ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Friday and Saturday:9am-6pm,Sunday:l2pm-6pm
Orange County Southern Branch Library 203 S Greensboro Street,Carrboro Monday-Thursday:l0am-7pm, ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Friday and Saturday:9am-6pm,Sunday:12pm-6pm
Passmore Center 103 Meadowlands Dr,Hillsborough,NC Tuesday,Wednesday,&Friday:8 am-5 pm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Monday&Thursday:8 am-8 pm
Seymour Center 2551 Homestead Rd,Chapel Hill,NC Monday-Thursday:8am-9pm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Friday-Saturday:8 am-5 pm
Southern Human Services Center 2501 Homestead Road,Chapel Hill,NC Monday-Friday:8am-5pm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Umstead Park 339 Umstead Drive,Chapel Hill,NC Daily Dawn to Dusk ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
East Rosemary Street Parking Deck 125 E Rosemary Street,Chapel Hill 24/7 ✓ ✓ ✓
University Place 201 S Estes Dr,Chapel Hill,NC Monday-Saturday:loam-7pm,Sunday 1pm-5pm ✓ ✓ ✓
(Indoor portion offacility may close in August)
Weaver Street Market,Carrboro 101 East Weaver St,Cantoro,NC Daily 8am-9pm(pets allowed only on patio) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Weaver Street Market,Hillsborough 228 S.Churton St,Hillsborough,NC Daily 8am-9pm(pets allowed only on patio) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Weaver Street Market,Southern Village 716 Market Street,Chapel Hill,NC Daily 8am-9pm(pets allowed only on patio) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
For more help for people living unsheltered,contact SOHRAD at 919-886-3351,Monday-Friday 8am-9pm;Saturday 1lam-8pm
For further information on heat safety and resources in Orange County,refer to orangecountync.90WHeat
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In addition,to assist local organizations willing to serve as cooling
centers during periods of extreme heat,the County will develop a brief
"How to Host a Cooling Center Guide"Once this guide is developed,
it will be shared with local organizations,such as local businesses,
religious institutions and museums. -- ---- o;
During each instance of excessive heat warning,Orange County4 g
Emergency Management will coordinate with Asset Management and ,
z-
the Library to open cooling centers for extended hours and publicize I I
the resources according to the communications strategy outlined in
Appendix A. AV
o.
Several identified locations will serve as designated cooling centers
with expanded operational hours during excessive heat warning days.
These locations may include:
• Orange County Public Library The Town of Chapel Hill will also publicize transportation services.Free
137 W.Margaret Ln.,Hillsborough transportation will allow a greater number of residents to access vital
cooling resources during extreme heat events.
• Orange County Southern Branch Library
203 S Greensboro St.,Carrboro Community Partners:
Chapel Hill Transit,Orange Public Transit,Point to Point,GoTriangle
• Efland-Cheeks Community Center
117 Richmond Rd.,Efland Action 11: Integration of Extreme Heat into the
• Rogers Road Community Center Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operation
101 Edgar St,Chapel Hill Plan
• Cedar Grove Community Center Integrate extreme heat preparedness into the Eno Haw
5800 NC 86N,Hillsborough Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and Orange County's and Local
Extended cooling center hours will reduce strain on emergency Governments'Emergency Operations Plans.
response systems and protect individuals at risk from extreme heat Orange County and Towns will partner with consultants and the NC
earlier and later in the day. Department of Public Safety to integrate extreme heat preparedness
Community Partners: into the next Eno Haw Hazard Mitigation Plan update and Orange
OC Community Relations,Libraries,Community Centers,and County Emergency Operations Plan.Heat is the leading cause of
Community Based Organizations weather-related death in the United States.Aligning the Eno-Haw
Hazard Mitigation Plan with the activities listed in this Heat Action Plan
Action 10:Cooling Center Transportation will help raise awareness and support for extreme heat preparedness.
Offer free transportation to cooling centers during acute heat The Eno Haw Hazard Mitigation plan is designed to identify local
events. actions for reducing risk from natural hazards in the Eno-Haw area,
To aid residents who lack access to transportation,Orange County and including the counties of Alamance,Durham and Orange.Through this
the Town of Chapel Hill,in collaboration with Orange Public Transit and effort,we will define heat as a hazard by combining climate and health
Chapel Hill Transit,will develop a plan to provide free transportation, data,describe how our community and residents are vulnerable to
including wheelchair accessible transportation,to and from cooling extreme heat,incorporate climate change projections into extreme heat
centers during periods of extreme heat and to ensure that planned assessments,and develop appropriate and feasible heat preparedness
cooling centers are accessible through existing fixed bus routes. strategies.
Furthermore,partner organizations will look into finding alternative The Orange County Emergency Operations Plan sets out important
methods of transportation,such as a ridesharing program.Details guidelines for how Orange County responds to emergency situations,
about the transportation services will be publicized via social media making consideration of extreme heat necessary to ensure the plan is
posts by OC Community Relations in coordination with Orange County safe for residents and first responders.
Emergency Management. Community Partners:
Alamance and Durham Counties,South Orange Rescue Squad,Volunteer
Fire Departments
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Action 12: Neighbor Check-in
Develop a neighbor check-in program.
A Neighbor Check-In Program will be piloted to connect the friends and
family members of isolated and vulnerable individuals with timely heat
alerts,information,and support on hot days.Some individuals are more
vulnerable to hot temperatures due to preexisting conditions,age,or
resource access.
Checking on individuals with higher risk can help prevent heat-related
illness and death.Orange County will seek to partner with local
organizations to develop and run a system which alerts volunteers
to extreme heat emergencies and encourages them to reach out to
identified vulnerable individuals-over the phone or in-person-during
acute extreme heat events. Action 14:Outdoor Activity Limitations
Community Partners: Implement regulations and recommendations to limit outdoor
Meals on Wheels,Marian Cheek Jackson Center,PORCH,TABLE,Orange activities.
County Department on Aging(DOA),Orange County Department of
Social Services(DSS),Affordable Housing and Community Connections To limit the exposure of residents to dangerous heat,Orange County
at Town of Chapel Hill,Neighbors on Call,Informal Disability Networks and municipalities will implement a consistent set of regulations and
in Neighborhoods(identify point people) recommendations to cancel,suspend,delay or change the timing of
previously scheduled activities and events.
Action 13:Augmentation of Response Operations Furthermore,they will develop a standard procedure for helping those
Augment first response resources to reduce heat stress on first experiencing heat-related health incidents.Outdoor activity limitations
responders. will also account for concurrent extreme weather events.Specific
activities may include:
During extreme heat days,first responders are placed under additional
stress.They respond to incidents outdoors with little access to shade • Closing schools early or reducing or eliminating outdoor activities
or cooling,often wearing uniforms that do not provide cooling relief. (e.g.,sports,outdoor playgrounds)to limit children's exposure to
Orange County Emergency Services and fire departments are working high temperatures
to appropriately augment emergency response operations to support • Encouraging children's summer camps to be aware of heat alerts and
responders working in extreme heat. move activities inside during dangerous heat
An agreement signed by all fire departments in the County designates • Mandating that youth sports practices and games will not take place
that an additional fire department will be dispatched on structure outside during the hottest hours of the day throughout the heat
fire alarms when there is a heat index of 907 or higher or when there season and that no practices or games will occur during an extreme
are increased fire danger alerts.Orange County Emergency Services heat event.Chapel Hill and Carrboro schools currently measure Wet
also more rapidly and frequently deploys rehabilitation resources Globe Bulb Temperature to determine whether it is safe to practice
to structure fires and other extended-duration outdoor or uncooled and play outdoors and what equipment is allowed based on NCHSAA
emergencies during extreme heat events. standards.Other temperature standards will also be evaluated for
Community Partners: implementation
Volunteer Fire Departments,OC Emergency Services • Canceling outdoor concerts or delaying their start to avoid the
hottest times of the day
• Closing or delaying outdoor markets or requiring them to have a
free and accessible cooling space when temperatures exceed certain
thresholds
• Heightening prevention activities during outdoor public events(e.g.,
increasing staffing,distributing additional water bottles,setting up
more tents for shade)
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20
• Encouraging businesses and organizations whose work takes place
primarily outdoors to reduce activities during the hottest times of
the day
• Creating an easy-to-follow,well-researched guide detailing the
precautions necessary to protect local government employees who
work outside
Community Partners:
w-
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools,Orange County Schools,City and tit
County Parks and Rec.,Sports Leagues
Enhanced Emergency Response Mechanisms-
Metrics
Ongoing Actions
1. Number of OC Alerts signups
2. Social media analytics on acute heat events communications
Future Actions
1. Number of local partners registered in directory and receiving
notifications
2. Number of neighbor check-in volunteers engaged
3. Additional hot weather resources and cooling centers
identified
4. Cooling center flyers and guides developed and distributed
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GOAL 3: Cool Homes and i
Neighborhoods
The goal of Orange County heat action is to prevent extreme heat
events from becoming private or public emergencies.Safety amidst
rising temperatures is dependent on access to cool spaces and resources
and home and neighborhood cooling over the long-term is essential 1
to this effort.The final action area in this plan focuses on creating and
preserving cool spaces across Orange County.
Efforts to cool homes,including tree giveaways in heat-vulnerable
communities and assistance with home weatherization,help to create _ •: x .i'
safe,cooled indoor spaces throughout the heat season.They also reduce
energy demand and energy cost burden by eliminating excess energy . Enhanced ecosystems for wildlife
use and creating cooling through other methods such as shade. . Reduced urban heat island effects in developed areas
Efforts to increase public water and shade access ensure that Orange Increasing tree cover in Orange County provides community-wide
County residents and visitors have access to cooling wherever they are. benefits and nature-based cooling.Educational materials to aid with
Orange County is considering a variety of actions to enhance the tree tree care will be distributed to aid in tree longevity and survival rate.In
canopy and install other green infrastructure strategies,including the some cases,such as Orange County's grant program to plant 100 trees,
installation of cool roofs and green roofs on public buildings and use of professional maintenance plans will be provided to ensure trees not
cool pavements. only survive but thrive.Native trees and species will be prioritized,and
These projects will reduce urban heat island effects and create a cooler, this initiative will be evaluated and modified to optimize tree survival
more energy efficient community.These long-term strategies are rates.
essential to creating extreme heat resilience throughout Orange County. Community Partners:
Action 15:Tree Giveaways and Plantings Orange County Cooperative Extension,North Carolina Urban Forest
Council,North Carolina Forest Service,North Carolina State University
Increase the tree canopy in Orange County. College of Natural Resources,Trees for the Triangle,Duke Energy,Keep
Orange County,the Town of Chapel Hill,the Town of Carrboro,and the Durham Beautiful,libraries,Orange County Schools,City and County
Town of Hillsborough's tree council are engaged in multiple forms of Parks and Recreation,Community Centers,HOAs,UNC-Chapel Hill
tree giveaways.The Town of Chapel Hill offered tree giveaways in the
Northside Neighborhood in 2023. Action 16:Water and Shade Access
The Town of Carrboro awarded a grant to a neighborhood experiencing Enhance cooling features,including publicly accessible shade
higher than average temperatures to plant trees on private property structures,shaded bus stops,hydration stations,and pools,as
in 2025.In 2024,Orange County was awarded a grant to plant well as greenery in public spaces.
approximately 100 trees in areas of the County vulnerable to heat stress. Orange County and its municipal government partners have various
The Town of Hillsborough's Tree Council also organizes community tree amenities to help keep people who are spending time outdoors cool
plantings and gives trees to volunteers. during periods of extreme heat.The County and municipal partners will
Trees provide numerous community benefits,including: work to identify opportunities for more cooling features(e.g.publicly
• Shade during hot,sunny days accessible shade structures such as bus stops,water fountains,water
bottle refill stations,water distribution/giveaways,pools,and splash
• Keeping ambient temperatures cooler pads in public parks),and prioritize the expansion of access to these
• Decreased stormwater runoff amenities,especially for heat-stressed populations.
• Improved air quality Particular emphasis will be placed on adding shading structures and
other cooling resources at bus stops throughout the County,as these
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22
are often sites of dangerous heat exposure for vulnerable populations.
Chapel Hill Transit has plan to update identified bus stops to improve ' }
1
ADA compliance.Shelters and shade structures will be included in
renovations to these sites where possible.The Town of Chapel Hill asks
conditional zoning applicants to develop a Climate Action Plan for their ♦` '
projects,including heat mitigation strategies like tree canopy,light-
colored materials and surfaces,and shade structures.
\�f
The 2023 Orange Count Climate Action Plan also includes a goal to t
9 y 9
plant 10,000 trees in 10 years,which would significantly expand access
I�
to shade throughout the County.Trees and native plants provide shade,
keep temperatures cooler in spaces where there are hard surfaces,and
provide a habitat for pollinators,birds and mammals.
Community Partners:
Orange County SportsPlex,Chapel Hill Transit,Orange County V
Cooperative Extension,Master Gardeners,Trees for the Triangle,New
Hope Bird Alliance,Department on Aging,Efland Cheeks and other Orange County will assess County and local governments'portfolio
Community Centers of buildings to identify existing cool and green roofs.Counties and
local governments will develop and adopt a Green Building Policy for
Action 17: Cool Pavements Implementation Government Buildings that includes a requirement to consider green
Pilot cool pavement implementation in Orange County. and cool roofs.
In August of 2024,the Town of Carrboro piloted a road resurfacing and Action 19:Assistance with Cooling Expenses and
rejuvenation program.Specialized coatings were applied to roadways to Home Weatherization
help them reflect heat,rather than absorb it,keeping the roadway and
surrounding area relatively cooler.These coatings reduce urban heat Work with state and local partners to help low-income
island effects and they extend the service life of roads. residents with cooling expenses and home weatherization.
Carrboro and other governments in Orange County will be conducting Access to air-conditioned spaces,particularly homes,is important for
further assessments to evaluate the success of the pilot program,as staying cool when it is hot outside.By implementing this action,we aim
well as identify roads and road segments which may be appropriate for to increase residents'access to cool spaces,which increases the overall
cool pavements implementation.Carrboro will utilize North Carolina resilience of the community to periods of hot temperatures.
Department of Transportation(NC DOT)Powell Bill Funding to install The County will seek to expand opportunities for efficiency and cooling
additional cool pavement in 2027. upgrades.Orange County and municipal government partners will
work to identify resources to expand outreach and funding for housing
Action 18: Public Green Roofs and Cool Roofs retrofits to serve low-income and health-vulnerable homeowners and
Install green roofs and cool roofs on public buildings. renters.These programs include LIHEAP,Weatherization Assistance
Program,and Energy Saver North Carolina rebates.Furthermore,the
Cool roofs consist of lighter color rooftop materials,which are individual jurisdictions of Orange County will work to development
comparable in cost to existing building materials and can keep buildings regulations and incentives to encourage cool and sustainable
cool by reflecting heat instead of absorbing it.Buildings'cool roofs development.
can reduce energy consumption,increase the longevity of the roof by
decreasing roof temperature,and keep buildings cooler. To reduce cooling expenses for all residents,the County will collaborate
with Central Pines Regional Council and regional partner municipalities
Green roofs are rooftop gardens,and their temperatures can be 30-400 to implement the Electrify the Triangle Program,which will provide
Flower than those of conventional roofs and can reduce area ambient certified energy navigators to help residents take advantage of the
temperatures by up to 5°F.In addition to immediate shade and interior many energy efficiency,electrification,solar,and EV charging incentive
cooling effects,green roofs contribute to stormwater management, programs available and locate qualified contractors,cooling homes and
reduced energy consumption,reduction of heat in urban heat islands, reducing energy costs for Orange County residents.
and increased roof longevity.
Community Partners:
The Drakeford Library Complex,recently constructed in Carrboro,has Central Pines Regional Council,Electrify the Triangle,NC Dept.Of
two green roofs and a cool roof. Environmental Quality State Energy Office,Duke Energy,Piedmont
Electric,EBERP,DSS,Energy Savers NC
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Action 20: Resilience Hubs
Develop plan to add solar and battery electric storage to critical
community buildings to ensure the electricity stays on in an
emergency.
Resilience Hubs are a growing practice in American cities in which local
governments invest in neighborhood-facing spaces that work with low-
income,low-investment communities to help them better prepare for,
withstand,and recover from climate-related events. `tom
These build on the momentum of existing trusted community spaces •.. R
by enhancing them with sustainable infrastructure,such as solar
arrays and battery electric storage systems,green infrastructure,
floodproofing,and WiFi,as well as by introducing resilience-building _
programming and communications.It is important to note that
. -
resilience hubs are not shelters or disaster centers.They are community
centers that are also active in disasters,similar to a more robust cooling
center.
Access to air-conditioned spaces,especially during a prolonged power
outage,is important for staying cool and safe when it is hot outside. Cool Homes and Neighborhoods-Metrics
By implementing this action,we aim to increase residents'access Ongoing Actions
to cool spaces as well as a central place for trusted information and
programming,which increases the overall resilience of the community 1. Trees planted
to periods of hot temperatures. Future Actions
Orange County and municipal government partners will work to 1. Hydration stations installed
identify resources,including grants,to create resilience hubs to 2. Pools and splash pads installed
serve our community,especially low-income and health-vulnerable 2. Shade structures added to bus stops
neighborhoods.
Community Partners:
3. Miles of cool pavement added
Central Pines Regional Council 4. Cool roofs and green roofs installed
5. Energy navigators utilized
6. Incentive programs utilized
7. Weatherization Assistance Program utilized
8. Number of resilience hubs
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Evaluation
Key to the success of this heat action plan is a regular assessment of
relevant data and metrics to understand how programs and activities
are performing and to identify opportunities for improvement.The Heat
Cohort will collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of the
Heat Action Plan for Orange County.This evaluation will include the
following activities: �
1. Using Health Data Before,During and After the Heat Season 4
The Heat Cohort will work with local and state partners to access, ,
analyze and interpret heat-related illness data.The Heat Cohort will
meet prior to the heat season to review the Heat Action Plan and °
make an updates or changes as needed.The will also meet after �a cif
Y p 9 Y
each extreme heat event to analyze the Plan for opportunities for 4
improvement if needed.The data from these meetings can help local r
leaders understand the health effects of extreme heat in Orange County
and inform revision of the Heat Action Plan for Orange County,as
needed.
2. Evaluate Interventions
At the end of the heat season,during September and October,The Heat
Cohort will collect and aggregate the metrics data outlined in the Heat
Action Plan.They will analyze this data by making comparisons with
previous years'data and use these comparisons to make adjustments to
action item goals and targets.
They will publish the results of these evaluations as a written report,
available online,so that they are accessible to the wider community.
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25
Appendix A: Communications Strategy Beat the Heat Campaign
One crucial aspect of the Heat Action Plan is public messaging and • Community Relations posts _ Al
throughout the heat season to the
communications to address both acute heat events and chronic heat
conditions.The following is a pilot communications strategy which OCNCGov Facebook page.These
was implemented for the first time in the 2025 heat season and will be posts include multilingual severe
updated annually prior to each subsequent heat season. weather graphics developed based orangecountync.gov/H
While much of public messaging went through Facebook and social on graphics originally developedfor Pima County,as well as a hot 0
media in 2025,efforts will be made to expand outreach efforts into , ��60
weather resources graphic and a =o z 80
other outlets,including non-digital media,such as print materials,in heat exhaustion post.
future seasons.The following strategy is divided into communication 0
during chronic heat conditions and acute heat events. • After Community Relations posts, 120
the Communicators Workgroup is
notified to share posts on other � ' °A""'_
Chronic Heat Conditions: platforms and outlets. •,
Proclamation:
• Orange County Departments and »••
• In May,Orange County and all municipalities pass a heat awareness municipalities share each post from
week proclamation that coincides with the Governor's proclamation the OCNCGov Facebook page.
and announces heat awareness week. e"fr...m�an�amG�
EWGIarylfemegmrytreaimmils mglrcn.
�..,,,,,_.,_®� �,'�,
• During North Carolina Heat Awareness week,Orange County Acute Heat Events �7 : oran9emuMync9or/Heat
Community Relations posts a campaign kickoff announcement along NWS Extreme Heat Notification
with the proclamation on the OCNCGov Facebook page.
• During an extreme heat event,the j
• Orange County Communicators Workgroup is notified of the post and National Weather Service issues
encouraged to share it on any platform or outlet in use. '
an extreme heat notification.This .,....... , •".
firc� �
• Municipalities and Orange County Departments also share the kickoff could be a heat advisory,heat
announcement and heat awareness proclamation through their own watch,or heat warning.
channels. • Orange County Emergency
Management forwards an email '"'"•"
with Orange County Hot Weather
• o Resources from the National
Weather Service to the community partners list described in Action
50 = 6,which includes Community Relations.
• 40
10� • Community Relations re posts the National Weather Service
a� Y p
2v= heat graphic on the OCNCGov Facebook page with a link to
—9-60 orangecountync.gov/Heat.
• After Community Relations post,the Communicators Workgroup is
notified of the post to be shared on any platform or outlet.
Orange County Departments and municipalities repost from the
Visit orangecountync.gov/Heat for Heat Safety Information! OCNCGov Facebook page.
Persistent High Heat Watch,Advisory,or Warning
Ready Orange and orangecountync.gov/Heat
• If heat advisory,watch or warning
• Orange County Emergency Services adds a banner on extreme persists,Community Relations BEAT THE
heat to the Ready Orange landing page to direct the public to posts a multilingual severe HEEXTREME Mki
',, CRAB
W iCH
orangecountync.gov/Heat.This banner remains posted through weather graphic for extreme heat.
August.Orangecountync.gov/Heat is the hot weather resources
subpage which includes heat safety information and information on After Community Relations post,
Communicators Workgroup is
hot weather resources for vulnerable populations in Orange County. notified the Comm the post to be shared on
any platform or outlet.
23
26
It Orange County Departments and municipalities repost from the
OCNCGov Facebook page. '
Extreme Heat Warning/Cooling Center Activation r °C °F
It When the National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warning, "' ' ' ' 50 _120
an OC alert will go out to all self-registrants notifying them of the 40 =moo
Extreme Heat Warning. Main Library,137W.MargaretLane,Hillsborough 9a.m.-8p.m. 0 =80
Southern Branch Library,203 S.Greensboro St.,Carrboro 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 20 �_
• The Cooling Centers are activated and announced.Orange County = E60
RENA Community Center,101 Edgar St.,Chapel Hill 8a.m.-8p.m. 1 �
Emergency Management establishes and identifies cooling centers. o _ =40
Orange County Emergency Management emails Orange County L0_ o
Community Relations and indicates cooling center locations,hours
and additional resources.Orange County Community Relations _ /r cauc9,9»sz 50e3forassistance.
ORANmGE`COUNTY �` READY
then creates two media posts for cooling center activation from the GCORANGE For more information,visit readyorange.org.
existing templates,below.Community Relations also issues a press
release and notifies local media channels. Posted
err r Acute Graphics To Be
• Community Relations posts the cooling center graphics to the Heat Events on Facebook and Comms
OCNCGov Facebook page. ��Mj Workgroup Notified
• After Community Relations posts,the Communicators Workgroup is National Weather Service National Weather
notified of the posts to be shared on any platform or outlet. Extreme Heat Notification Service Graphic
• Orange County Departments and municipalities repost from the Persistent High Heat Advisory/Watch/
OCNCGov Facebook page. Heat Event Warning Graphic
Extreme Heat Cooling Center Graphics
Warning and Press Release
ORANGECOUNTY
NORTH .•
EXTREME
H EAT
WARNING THROUGH
960=980
FEELS LIKE OVER 1090
Cooling Centers open extended
hours Tuesday and Wednesday
For • information, • • to
orangecountync.gov/Heat
24
27
Appendix B: Community Resources to Beat Urban Heat Island Map
the Heat The Orange County Sustainability Office has created an interactive map
to identify urban heat islands in need of cooling trees,shrubs,and
Aquatic Facilities perennials.
Homestead Aquatic Center https://unc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.
300 Aquatic Drive html?webmap=dbb1bcfb76bf44b681a37e52aa7ba5f3
Chapel Hill,NC 27516
Phone(919)968-2799 Native Plant Recommendations
Chapel Hill Community Center Indoor Pool Native plants are adapted to the soil and climate conditions of the area.
120 South Estes Drive The New Hope Bird Alliance has created a downloadable spreadsheet
Chapel Hill,NC 27514 of native plants in Orange County:https://newhopebirdalliance.org/
Phone(919)968-2790 bird-friendly-certification/plant-list/
A.D.Clark Outdoor Pool
Hargraves Center
216 North Roberson Street
Chapel Hill,NC 27516
Phone(919)968-2816
Orange County Sportsplex = _ .
101 Meadowlands Dr.
Hillsborough,NC 27278
Public Water Bottle Refill Stations ~ r
Carrboro Town Hall `
301 W.Main St.
Carrboro,NC 27510 -
Weaver St.Market
101 East Weaver St,Carrboro,NC
228 S.Churton St,Hillsborough,NC
Southern Village:716 Market Street,Chapel Hill,NC Trees
Chapel Hill Town Hall Town of Chapel Hill
405 MLK Jr Blvd The non-profit arm of Chapel Hill's Parks and Recreation Department is
Chapel Hill,NC 27514 involved in tree planting in parks.
Town of Carrboro
0. �„ Carrboro's Public Works Department manages Carrboro's urban forestry
program,which includes tree planting on Town-owned land and right-
.' of-ways.The Town's Comprehensive Plan calls for an Urban Forestry
_ Master Plan.
t Town of Hillsborough
The Hillsborough Tree Board is responsible for tree planting,
maintenance and preservation on town property and engages in
g ` ongoing projects to increase the tree canopy.
Lir
Orange County
Orange County Sustainability is involved in the process of planting trees
in heat-stressed areas of the County utilizing a grant from Duke Energy.
25
28
Weatherization and Utility Bill Assistance
State Resources
• NC Department of Environmental Quality State Energy Office
provides funding to several organizations across the state through ,
the Weatherization Assistance Program.These organizations help
low-income residents by performing weatherization services and
repairing or replacing heating,ventilation and air conditioning units
in homes.
• The NC Department of Environmental Quality launched the
EnergySaver NC program in 2025,which provides HOMES and HEAR
rebates to income qualified homeowners and property owners.
Orange County Resources
• Orange County Division of Social Services provides assistance to
individuals and families to help pay heating and cooling expenses
through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program(LIEAP)
program
• Both locations of the Orange County Department of Social Services
have box fans for residents needing heat relief in the summer.There • Duke Energy also has a High Energy Usage Assistance Program
is no application required.Residents can come to either 113 Mayo to help lower monthly energy bills for customers with very high
Street or 2501 Homestead Road and request a fan from the front energy usage.Upgrades can include heating and cooling systems,
desk.Questions can be directed to(919)245-2800. insulation,air sealing,appliances and more.
• The Department on Aging provides free fans to eligible seniors. • Duke Energy's Improve and Save Program can help homeowners
Call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or click here for more and renters lower their energy bills by adding the cost of energy
information. efficiency upgrades to their energy bill.Duke Energy pays for the
upgrades upfront and handles ongoing maintenance.The remaining
• The Orange County Home Preservation Coalition coordinates balance is repaid over 10 years of the property's electric bill.
weatherization and HVAC replacement programs for income
qualified households. • Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth Program
Town of Hillsborough Resources • Crisis Intervention Program
• The Hillsborough Police Department has collected fans for the • IFC offers Emergency Financial Assistance at their 110 W.Main St
community.If you would like a fan,please call their office during Carrboro location by appointment or by calling the Emergency
normal business hours at 919-296-9500. Financial Assistance Line on Tuesday mornings at 9:00am at 919-
929-6380 x2024
Town of Carrboro Resources
• EmPOWERment,Inc's MOM Utility Fund assists low-income residents
• The Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund provides critical in Orange County with their utility bills.Residents of Orange County
repairs for income qualified households in Carrboro,including HVAC seeking financial assistance from the MOM Fund should call 919-
system repairs and upgrades. 967-8779.
Other Resources • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has a�e
• Duke Energy has several income qualified assistance programs, on extreme heat,as well as a page with GIS data on extreme data.
including a weatherization program that helps customers through
the installation of energy efficient measures in their homes,the
Helping Home Fund,which provides free home energy assessments,
system repairs and appliance replacements,and the Neighborhood
Energy Saver,which provides free energy-saving products in select
neighborhoods
26
29
If you'd like to get involved or share your
thoughts about heat, we'd love to hear from you
at sustainability@orangecountync.gov.
ORANGE COUNTY
• • • CTOWN OF HAPEL ';' TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH
NORTH CAROLINA HILL
TOWN OF CARRBORO•NC
sustainability@orangecountync.gov
www.orangecountync.gov/H EAT
30
00000
Oran 9 e Countv
Heat Action Plan
i. • •
ORANGE u
' 0011)
COUNTY TOWN OF
NORTHCAROLINA TGwHOFCARR9ORv•HC HILLSBOEZOUGH
00000
31
Heat Is The Number I Killer
Vlleather Fata
lities �D23
zS0 Weather Fatalities for 2423
14-Year Rverage(24'#4-2423}
2U7 ■34-Year Average(1994-2023}
zoo isatfta
750
143
7 40 gg 97
86
I4
T1 71 7d
57
dB 48
50 35 :fB
a0 33 3i
3 1U 17
N+R N+R
0
Flood Lighininy Tnrnaei❑ Hurricane* Hear* Winter ['.old Wind Ripf.urrenrs
`f}ue to an rnhererriCefay to the reporting of ofllc+al hea!fataRLes�n some jurrsurcLons,mrs numGerwNf frkefy nse+rr subsequerrtupuates.
'The iafafibes,injuries,and damage esfimaies found under fiurrrcane/Trapieal Cycfame event are afhebufedonly fu ffre wind.
32
2024 Was The Hottest Year On Record
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
2024 anomaly(+1.6 degrees C)
+1.6 degrees C ............................................................................................................
[+2.7 degrees Fahrenheit]
Amanda Montanez;Source:Copernicus Climate Change Service(data)
33
Why Heat Matters:
RiosiongRelated Emergencies
Total 4C Heat Emergency EMS Calls April-July
7(:
C: 58
45 49
40
40 35 33 34
2s
30
20
10
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
There were 58 heat-related EMS calls April-July 2025,
with 42 resulting in transport to the hospital.
34
HOW CAN rIMPACT
HeatImpacts Extreme heat leads to illnesses
such as dehydration, heat
cramps, heat exhaustion,
Human Health and heat stroke.
• Whole-body cell, tissue, and organ damage.
• Worsens pre-existing conditions, including cardiovascular and BRAIN
Worsens rnental
pulmonary illness.
increases Mgression
• Cognitive and organ dysfunction may persist for years after heat
injury and increase risk of death for decades.
• Associated with mental health concerns, adverse pregnancy and birth
KIDNEYS
outcomes, and increased infectious disease transmission. LUNC75 In-creases kidney
InUeasesasthrna failure and other
Social Costs
ifinesms
• Increased energy demand and costs
• Infrastructure damage/strain PREGNANCY
Inc reases premature
heat-related illness: Imm?kses.likethiood
• Decreased labor productivity of low birth weigh[,
. Speak to your health care heart defects,ard
• infant death
Increased healthcare costs psk fadcraharlt your personal
risk factors a[W plan
accordingly.
• Stress on emergency response systems Nlarlidsofe trerrwhar
g y p y periods of�xveme heat a high
heat indexIt -
• Nearly all aspects of daily life can be disrupted by extreme heat. nauseoegin to feel dizzy,weak
nauseous or Faint,seek ;SN
medical advice imrr diately. TRACKING PR6CRM
ON REALTH AND
CIIEUTE CHANGE
35
HOW CAN EXTREME HEAT IMPACT HEALTH?
Areasof Concern Associations have been founk between extreme heat and the following:
BRAIN
Increases�88ressiort
Economic & Access Inequities and violence*
ill• Increased energy demand and costs HEART
• Lost income
• Energy affordability gaps
• Rising cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke among vulnerable xiONEYS
�uA0I.
populations (elderly, outdoor workers, unhoused residents) Increases respiratory
asthmRattacks
• Limited access to air conditioning or cooling centers incre seat higher PREGNANCY
• Reduced physical activity and mobility
respiratory Cease �irths*
outcornes such as'07
�ir th weight and infant
Environmental & Community Impacts
• Crop stress and reduced harvest yields Leads to heat
e0aViDA and heat
• Pets and animals at risk stroke
Increases ernerg@nly
dEpaitiment visits and
• Outdoor activity restrictions hospitalizations D�"DWN
TRACMR
Leads ka death �:;MLIN JJN
• Localized infrastructure strain "'"
36
The Need
Summer 2024: � ,•
Orange County is under an excessive heat warning today from 1 lam until 8pm.The Main Library in
Orange County partners and the public felt the "illsborough and RENA Community Center will extend hours until B pm to serve as cooling
Additionalinfo
stress of the extreme heat season, during the hottest ••
NX
year on record. Orange County reflected on their
need to provide extreme heat resources and
properly educate the community on extreme heat.
Heat Cohort:
We recognized the need for a Heat Action Plan that :
a) highlights the work already being done
s
throughout Orange County and, tit
b) shares a collective vision for the future of heat
action.
r
comment
00000 ,5 Like Q commentSend 6D Share
37
The Goal
• • • • •
Our cohort's goal is to develop a multi-jurisdictional plan for
how our community will mitigate, prepare for, adapt to, and
respond to extreme heat. By working together, we're building a
coordinated, stakeholder-driven approach that can serve as a
model for other communities and a template for other extreme
weather event planning.
• • • • •
38
Extreme Heat: - -
Forthcoming
FOR ORANGE !
Heat Action Plan
The Heat Action Plan was created from
NCORR's Heat Action Toolkit template. A
cohort of staff from Orange County, ti
Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough ���� f
drafted the plan, including feedback
gathered from community meetings and task
force input. Graphic design was selected with
accessibility in mind. Next, the Plan will be - T`
Zft-
ratified with each municipality before the
heat season begins. oVvC;€COUNTY �H�peL
• TOWN OF HILLSROKIDUC,,II
"AMI It kAR01 IN �
HILL
39
3 Big Goals
• Outreach and education
as o�
• Enhanced emergency responses g
o so
�o
• Coolingof homes and communities �-
ActionHeat •
Orange County
coun�r�r • �
H 1115�6n Rnl rG H
•�O�CARRRORO•NC
• 1
40
•
Heat Actions.0 Outreach F
.' . 1 1 F 1 • QV OF
• 1 N 11 1. r' 1 i
and Education to I If l 1. l• l 1 5°=
r �o
Main LiIram 137 W.Margaret Lane,Hillsborough 9a.m.-8 p.m. )
Prepare and Protect the
Southern Branch Literary,203 S.Greensboro 5t.,Carrbora � 9 a.m.•8 P.M. +
REHA Corn rnunity Center,101 Edgar St.,Chapel Hill 8 a.ffln.-a P.M. 1
111'���-111' _40
Pubfipc -� ��" 1 1 I 11 1 I I 1 1 11
1
4 1 i I 1 1 Z
_z
Action 1 : Public Heat Messaging _
[all(919)732 5063 for aAstance.
COUNTY READY
� �axN aRA1VGE For more information,visit readyflrange.org.
Action 2: Outdoor Worker Education
Action 3: Home Cooling Education What should I wear
�
Action 4: Youth Heat Safety Education in hot weather?
•
,
Action 5: `Cool' Choose lightweight,
Events Promotion light-colored, lapse-fitting
clothing.
ORANGE COUNTY orangecountync.govIHeat
NOR L 11 C^K)I INA
41
Heat Actions:0
ea
f
Enhanced Emergency �
6
Response � =
Mechanisms iiijillill�
Action 6: Extreme Heat Notification and Communications
Action 7: Cooling Centers
Action 8: Cooling Center Transportation
Action 9: Integration of Extreme Heat into the Hazard Mitigation Plan
Action 10: Neighbor Check-in
Action 11: Augmentation of Response Operations
Action 12: Outdoor Activity Limitations
42
� a000TREES 0
Heat Actions: Coot
f . -
Homes and - - - - VIP,'
i
Neighborhoods
� � D TREES
700 TREES
Action 13: Tree Giveaways .ASQfbly2025
Action 14: Water and Shade Access .
Action 15: Cool Pavements Implementation t;{ - _
-
Action 16: Public Green Roofs and Cool '
Roofs
Action 17: Assistance with Cooling Expenses Y
and Home Weatherization :M
Action 18: Resilience Hubs a }'
43
Ti m6e I
Heat Action Planning - Vulnerability
Vulnerability rndex - -J___
Heat ■ R
Carr
r
Maps
Medium Rural C$I"City
r
The Resealed
VulnerabiNL),layer is a
J
composite index that -PP-Acres Jordan Oak
induces several ACS �
data layers from the
of Us' e'm,d e Wilkerson
Peopl -
'NC Resiriency _ ^ u.5 70 +1cres
&wJmngeVulnerability fiitand .
The souse Payers - �... .,..' - '�<.•O f a n
values are expressed as '.� �. " .,�' E o River
�� 5 to Park
a percentage of the - {y . .-
population within each =� �::�♦•==]s, _
cerru5 bract. -
Across the data sets � j
vulnerablllty can be
expressed a5 elther a
high or boa percentage Sugar Rldg e
value relative to the
tOtaE population. a
'z
To address the hlgltl
' th
low preference Orange Grave
.,,
discrepancy between i 9
layers,values were
resealed 1-10 using
appropriate fuw6ws
to Show the orererem
for eiU+er the high or r
IOW VaILFeS' kdngowcco
The Rural Capacity ' C 9hWays4 n r f• i dot
Index(RCI)is
delineated for one area
with a 15�
ldkn
rati g of .•�
Medium. The rest of ti
Orange County has RCl Lakewa ods
ratings of High,
1 l �`50urceY d4i..TpplTcm.gr[m4.FaOJaOaA.ar�uxlq�nEelM1lap •
t coulrbsitoiti.rntl 1M Gi5 user tonununry
e f
44
Heat Communications "Weather Fatalities 202310
Strate and Protocol
gY -
• Formalized protocol helps during any extreme
weather event
74
• Focusing on unhoused and outdoor workers this 50 70 36 0 71
year A I,
• Huge health impacts- acute and long term
• Biggest risks are early in the heat season as
bodies adjust to the warmer temperatures Who is most at risk for
i�
• Hotter days AND nights = less recovery time heat-related illness? ,{\JJJJJJ�
• Can affect anyone: especially the vulnerable •Older Adults(65+)
•Infants and Young Children
• Heat related illness and death are preventable! •Pregnant People
•People with Chronic
We can SAVE LIVES! Conditions
•Outdoor Workers and Athletes
•People Without Air
Conditioning
0P tGECOUNTY orangecountync.govIHeat
no�auc Wuwn
45
Beat The Heat g
Camp a► n = :
Heat Season Kickoff: ,.
• Multi Municipal Proclamation
How much water should I
• Heat Awareness Week May 25- May 31 drink during hot weather? �
• Ready Orange and orangecountync.gov/heat
•Drink 24-32 ounces of
• water every hour.
Heat Season Posts (late May-September) : c
• Pima County updated graphics- weekly i
• Hot Weather Resources Post �� 1
• Posted by county from central location at om
_NGE,CR&Ty oraingecountync.govIHeat
https://www.facebook.com/orangecountyncgov and shared by all
HEAT EXHAUST�0 I I D�
Acute Extreme Heat Days:
Dizziness Confusion
ACT FAST!
• NWS Extreme Heat Notification Move person to a
Thirst Becomes
Heavy Becomes I �
cooler area Sweating Unconscious
• Persistent High Heat Advisory, Watch or Warning Loosen clothing Nausea
Sip coal water Weakness
Seek medical help
• Extreme Heat Warning/Cooling Center Activation ifsymptorns don't
improve
Heat Exhaustion can lead to Heat Stroke HeatStroke car cause death or permanent
disability if emergency treatment is not given.
46
Heat Season Weekly Posts
HEAT HEAT a l iays Over, How fast can body ` '
EXHAUSTION STROKE temperature rise to
1 ' ' ' ' i�a dangerous levels?
Get
Dizziness contusion Cool
' C •Body temperature may
A k 10,
r rise to 106"F or higher
Thirst Dizziness within 10 to 15 minutes-
Move person to a Heavy Becomes •Very high body
cooler area Sweating Unconscious
Move person to atemperatures may
Loosen clothing Nausea Shade', damage the brain or
Sip cool water weakness other important organs
Seek medica and remove extra1. f1cand can lead
to death or
Cool With Water orimprove measures 1 1 permanent
based 1temperature .j disability if
emergency
Heat Exhaustion can Neat Stroke can cause death or humidity levels! treatment is not
lead to Heat Stroke permanent disability if emergency To cool off:water,rest,shade. provided.
treatment is not given. Visit r ra ngecountync.gov/H eat 1Information!
• ORANGE COUNTY orangecountync.gov/Heat
.`p.. ►Citi DY M--aE orangecountync.gov/Heat _ NOR'McAROUNA
ORANGE [dMtt Ofu'ttff[WNIY :I',nnirsM1i w 4 r.," ,T uEso.mr
OCALERTS C ;SBSTAiiuemri F-.�r .�.,,, -Mq c— �m •w�+. •m�u ..�
www.facebook.com/orangecountyncgov
l]angervus Heat ORANGE CQUNTY
bContinues Today RaYli4rr In>t.ad la.Today NC�It'CH GA1tC7LI NA
len 0.dHwry Tod.} �
47
Acute Extreme Heat Days
OCNCG-
.. BEAT � HEAT
TH
,. •� WARNING THROUGH
EXTREME
HEAT ExTREMESATURDAY SPM
oiINA N[ $ ADVISORY HEAT{NARNING
u•I la nad w..en.r s..we.
;�;;,,;,° •� C.pArtr.aw ,,Moa„o:.a� BE PREPARED USE CAUTION! TAHEACTION! �������
Dangerous Heat
Dangerous Heat Extremely pangerous Heat �'
Expected in the Expected in the I FEELS LIKE oVE R 110°
Next 48 Haurs Next 48 Haurs
Reatindex
(Feels Like Temperature)
Heat Index Heat Index(feels Like
(Feels Like Temperature) Temperature}GreaterThan
Than 0 Possible af105-710° 11d°Expected Cooling Centers open extended
Visit orangecvuntyn�.g�vlHeatfar Heat Safety 1nfo�mation! hours Friday and Saturday
e�bSUSTAINABI ORANGEO 'I O For more information, go to
ora ngecou ntync.gov/Heat
48
OC Alerts: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
What is an OC alert?
A free notification sgstem that keeps OC
residents informed during emergencies.
SighUp to Get Emergency Information Quickly in Urange County
Why it Matters?
• Helps protect vulnerable populations
•
Supports quick communitionduring heat ❑ •• e � Nam■
emergencies vrangetauntync.ga�IDCALLRTS •�
OC Alerts will give you critical,timely information
shout severe weather,road closures,missing persons,
Join the OC Alert network to help us reach
evacuations,clod other important news.
� r
You may choose to receive the messages via phone, .�'�..' ,
everyone before the next h- •t wave! email,text,ar your preferred method of communication.
If we can't reach you,we can't alert you! ��„r.... _.�r,.=-
gifts
ego
R
49
What YOU Can Do.'
Spread the word about the
APPROVE the Heat Action HAP, Beat the Heat
Plan. Contact us with arising Campaign, and OC alerts:
HAP input share OCNCgov Facebook
Contact posts and promote
mgilles@orangecountync.gov orangecountync.gov/heat