The 2021 heat dome was the deadliest weather-related event in Washington’s history. At least 100 people died from heat-related causes during the extended heat wave, most (67%) in adults over the age of 65 years. The heat dome was also associated with increased morbidity: An MMWR report found heat-related emergency room visits in the region were 69 times higher during the hottest days of the heat wave (June 25-30) compared to previous years without heat warnings. In addition, adults 75 and older were most likely to visit the ER for heat-related illness during this time.

Extreme heat events are only one weather emergency you need to be prepared for.  Did you do an after-action report from last years heat wave? Were the lessons learned documented and followed though with? If your HVAC system wasn’t working properly, has it been repaired? 5pm the night before the heat wave hits is the wrong time to be calling the HVAC vendor.

Please see the April edition of epiTRENDS, the monthly bulletin on Epidemiology and Public Health Practice in Washington for more information, including resources. 

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804