Milwaukee Extreme Heat Plan
An Effective Practice
Description
Heat waves are responsible for more deaths than hurricanes, tornados, floods, lightning strikes and earthquakes combined. MHD formed the Heat Task Force in direct response to an excessive heat event in July of 1995 in which 91 people in Milwaukee County died from heat-related illness. The task force unites a diverse group of over 20 state, county and local agencies, community-based organizations, health care providers, utilities and the media to prepare for and respond to excessive heat events in Milwaukee. Epidemiologically-identified target populations included the elderly, very young, mentally-ill, cognitively-impaired, anticholinergic drug consumers, severely obese and those with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this program is to reduce heat-related morbidity and mortality in Milwaukee.
Results / Accomplishments
49% to 83% reductions in heat-adjusted morbidity and mortality between 1995 (before) and 1999 (after) heat waves were observed.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
City of Milwaukee Health Department
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Mortality Data
Environmental Health / Weather & Climate
Environmental Health / Weather & Climate
Organization(s)
City of Milwaukee Health Department
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Date of implementation
1996
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Milwaukee, WI
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Older Adults