The Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 2383, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of improving the readiness and resilience of communities in the face of wildfires and extreme heat events. The bill seeks to address the increasing threat of wildfires and extreme heat due to climate change by providing funding and resources to help communities better prepare for and respond to these disasters.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. Establishing a grant program to provide funding to communities for the development and implementation of smoke and heat readiness plans. These plans would include measures such as improving building codes, creating defensible space around homes, and implementing early warning systems for wildfires and extreme heat events.
2. Providing funding for research and development of new technologies and strategies to better predict, prevent, and respond to wildfires and extreme heat events.
3. Enhancing coordination and communication between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure a more effective and efficient response to wildfires and extreme heat events.
4. Promoting community education and outreach programs to raise awareness about the risks of wildfires and extreme heat and to encourage residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities.
Overall, the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2023 aims to help communities across the country better prepare for and respond to the increasing threat of wildfires and extreme heat events, ultimately improving the safety and resilience of our nation's communities.