Pima County is taking serious steps to combat the heat. This summer, the Board of Supervisors declared the second week of May as Heat Awareness Week to educate people about the dangers of extreme heat. As reported by Pima County's Newsroom, the recognition of this week underlines a broader initiative, one that encompasses safeguarding policies and wide-scale community outreach programs.
On June 4, under the new County Administrative Procedure for Heat Safety and Workforce Protections, Pima County shaded itself as a leader in employee health and safety in the dog days of summer. It was the first to adopt a Heat Safety Ordinance specifically for County Contractors and Sub-Contractors, which the Board of Supervisors approved on August 19. This legislation is crucial, considering the rising temperatures are less of a summer fling and more of a lasting affair with potentially harsh consequences.
The Pima County Health Department took the front seat in coordinating a massive heat response effort that unfolded across the region. They set up more than 40 cooling centers, offering respite to over 15,000 individuals seeking escape from the heat's clutch. The comprehensive three-year Heat Plan, presented in July, signifies a long-term commitment to combating the thermal beast, as per Pima County's Newsroom.
Complementing this health department initiative, the Pima County Communications Office launched the "Beat the Heat" campaign. With a suite of heat awareness materials available for download, an increased social media presence, and curated summer-long content, the public was kept well-informed about the risks and responses related to the high temperatures.
