Bill 118 s 4898, also known as the Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the growing threat of extreme heat events in the country. The bill recognizes that extreme heat poses a significant risk to public health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and low-income communities.
The main provisions of the bill include the establishment of a national heat response plan, which would coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events. The plan would include guidelines for monitoring heat-related illnesses, providing emergency medical care, and implementing heat mitigation strategies.
Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a grant program to support communities in developing heat action plans and implementing heat-resilient infrastructure. This would help ensure that cities and towns are better equipped to handle extreme heat events and protect their residents.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve data collection and research on the impacts of extreme heat, as well as measures to increase public awareness and education about heat-related risks. By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing extreme heat, the Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2024 aims to protect the health and well-being of all Americans during periods of high temperatures.
Overall, this legislation represents an important step towards addressing the growing threat of extreme heat in the United States and ensuring that communities are better prepared to respond to this increasingly common climate challenge.