Supporting heat emergency warnings and public health measures

The aggressive public health messaging from the National Weather Service and local officials is a necessary response to a deadly natural hazard. Heat waves kill more Americans on average each year than any other weather disaster, according to the National Weather Service. The alerts have prompted cities from St. Louis to Dallas to open cooling centers and extend hours at public libraries – steps that save lives. These measures also help reduce strain on emergency rooms by preventing heatstroke cases. Critics sometimes question the frequency of warnings, but in a warming climate, conservative forecasting saves lives. The economic cost of shutting down outdoor work sites is real, but is far less than the cost of preventable deaths. The government's action is evidence-based and responsible.