White House Launches Website To Aid Residents Through Sweltering Heat

As the heatwave continues throughout the United States and across Europe, the White House has launched a new website to keep residents better informed and protected from the sweltering heat.

Now up and running, Heat.gov will make maps, data, and important information accessible to the public and local officials, so that preparations can be made for upcoming heat waves, and the most vulnerable populations can be identified and aided. 

While extreme heat may not seem as dangerous as other natural disasters, it has in fact been the greatest weather-related cause of death in the country for the past three decades, seeing over 700 people succumb to rising temperatures each year. 

According to NBC News, this initiative comes as part of wider efforts by the Joe Biden Administration’s National Climate Task Force to help Americans combat the surge in temperatures and other undesirable consequences of the ongoing climate crisis. 

Additionally, the government has invested funds into programs building more resilient infrastructure around the country, aiding communities in withstanding extreme weather—including heat, drought, wildfires, and other hazards. 

“President Biden has directed us to respond to the extreme heat gripping the nation. Extreme heat is a silent killer, yet it affects more Americans than any other weather emergency—particularly our nation’s most vulnerable,” said Gina McCarthy, White House National Climate Advisor.

“Heat.gov is an exciting new and accessible website designed to help everyone become engaged with their community, their state-level government, and federal partners, to take actions that can reduce the deadly health impacts of extreme heat,” she added. 

[via NBC News and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, images via Heat.gov]