An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management

Benjamin Rundbaken

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

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An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management

Benjamin Rundbaken^*

Published in Science Journal of Public Health (Volume 12, Issue 5)

Received: 3 September 2024 Accepted: 18 September 2024 Published: 10 October 2024

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Abstract

This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.

Published in	Science Journal of Public Health (Volume 12, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
Page(s)	162-168
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Heat, Heat Waves, Urban Heat Island, Disaster Management, Disaster Response, National Preparedness Goal, Literature Review

References

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[2]	Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-waves Accessed September 4, 2023.
[3]	Heat-related Illness in Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Health. Available at https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/lah/HRI_in_Louisiana_from_2010-2020.pdf Published March 2023. Accessed September 3, 2023.
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[5]	91% of households nationwide have air conditioning- 44% of those in Seattle do. USA Facts. Available at https://usafacts.org/articles/91-of-households-nationwide-have-air-conditioning-44-of-those-in-seattle-do/ . Published July 7, 2021. Accessed September 5, 2023.
[6]	Learn About Heat Islands. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/learn-about-heat-islands Accessed September 4, 2023.
[7]	Urban Development. World Bank. Available at https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/overview Published April 3, 2023. Accessed September 10, 2023.
[8]	National Disaster Recovery Framework. U. S. Department of Homeland Security. Available at https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/national_disaster_recovery_framework_2nd.pdf . Published June 2016. Accessed September 5, 2023.
[9]	Stone B, Mallen E, Rajput M, et al.: Climate change and infrastructure risk: Indoor heat exposure during a concurrent heat wave and blackout event in Phoenix, Arizona. Urban Climate, 36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2021.100787
[10]	Scharping N: Summer heat waves could cause blackouts across the country. Available at https://eos.org/articles/summer-heat-waves-could-cause-blackouts-across-the-country Published June 14, 2023. Accessed September 6, 2023.
[11]	Arsad FS, Hod R, Ahmad N, et al.: The Impact of Heatwaves on Mortality and Morbidity and the Associated Vulnerability Factors: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19(23), 16356. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316356
[12]	Weise E: Why haven't summer's extreme heat waves caused any blackouts? Renewable energy is helping. USA Today. Available at https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/14/why-extreme-heat-waves-didnt-crash-power-grid/70531237007/ Published August 14, 2023. Accessed September 7, 2023.
[13]	Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands Accessed September 4, 2023.
[14]	Using Cool Pavements to Reduce Heat Islands. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-cool-pavements-reduce-heat-islands Accessed September 4, 2023.
[15]	Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies- Cool Pavements. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-05/documents/reducing_urban_heat_islands_ch_5.pdf Published 2012. Accessed September 7, 2023.
[16]	Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies- Green Roofs. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-05/documents/reducing_urban_heat_islands_ch_3.pdf Published 2008. Accessed September 7, 2023.
[17]	Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies- Cool Roofs. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-05/documents/reducing_urban_heat_islands_ch_4.pdf Published 2008. Accessed September 7, 2023.
[18]	Heatwave Guide for Cities. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Available at https://preparecenter.org/wp-content/sites/default/files/rccc_heatwave_guide_2019_a4_rr_online_copy.pdf Published 2019. Accessed September 3, 2023.
[19]	Widerynski S, Schramm PJ, Conlon K, et al.: Use of cooling centers to prevent heat-related illness: summary of evidence and strategies for implementation. CDC Climate and health technical report series. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/47657
[20]	Ducharme J: Why you really need to change your air conditioner’s filter. Available at https://time.com/6292834/air-conditioner-filter-health-tips/ Published July 7, 2023. Accessed November 12, 2023.
[21]	Riley K, Wilhalme H, Delp L, et al.: Mortality and Morbidity during Extreme Heat Events and Prevalence of Outdoor Work: An Analysis of Community-Level Data from Los Angeles County, California. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(4), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040580
[22]	Babin B, Rundbaken B: Heat-related Illness in New Orleans. Available at https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/lah/HRI_in_Orleans_Parish_from_2010-2020.pdf Published March 2023. Accessed September 4, 2023.
[23]	Ajasa A: Cooling centers save lives in a heat wave- if you can get there. The Washington Post. Available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/07/15/cooling-centers-limitations-heatwaves-cities/ . Published July 15 2023. Accessed September 5, 2023.
[24]	Toloo G, FitzGerald G, Aitken P, et al.: Evaluating the effectiveness of heat warning systems: systematic review of epidemiological evidence. Int J Public Health 58, 667–681 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0465-2

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APA Style

Rundbaken, B. (2024). An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management. Science Journal of Public Health, 12(5), 162-168. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

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ACS Style

Rundbaken, B. An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management. Sci. J. Public Health 2024, 12(5), 162-168. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

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AMA Style

Rundbaken B. An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management. Sci J Public Health. 2024;12(5):162-168. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

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@article{10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12,
  author = {Benjamin Rundbaken},
  title = {An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {12},
  number = {5},
  pages = {162-168},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjph.20241205.12},
  abstract = {This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management

AU  - Benjamin Rundbaken
Y1  - 2024/10/10
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
T2  - Science Journal of Public Health
JF  - Science Journal of Public Health
JO  - Science Journal of Public Health
SP  - 162
EP  - 168
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-7950
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
AB  - This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.

VL  - 12
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Benjamin Rundbaken

Independent Scholar, Fort Myers, The United States

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-3711-9053

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Rundbaken, B. (2024). An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management. Science Journal of Public Health, 12(5), 162-168. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

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ACS Style

Rundbaken, B. An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management. Sci. J. Public Health 2024, 12(5), 162-168. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

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AMA Style

Rundbaken B. An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management. Sci J Public Health. 2024;12(5):162-168. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12,
  author = {Benjamin Rundbaken},
  title = {An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {12},
  number = {5},
  pages = {162-168},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjph.20241205.12},
  abstract = {This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management

AU  - Benjamin Rundbaken
Y1  - 2024/10/10
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
T2  - Science Journal of Public Health
JF  - Science Journal of Public Health
JO  - Science Journal of Public Health
SP  - 162
EP  - 168
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-7950
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20241205.12
AB  - This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.

VL  - 12
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download