As rising temperatures become more frequent in South Florida, Miami-Dade County is responding to the dangers of extreme heat.
The heat season, which runs from May 1 to October 31, increases the need to protect Miami-Dade residents from heat-related injuries.
Sweltering heat, according to county estimates, kills approximately 34 people and hospitalizes hundreds of individuals every year.
“On average, we are experiencing 51 more days per year with temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit than we did 50 years ago,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levin Cava.
During the heat season, extreme heat warnings become more common. This year, the National Weather Service (NWS) has lowered the threshold of what is considered extreme heat in Miami-Dade by three degrees.
NWS will now issue heat advisories when temperatures 105 degrees, and send out heat warnings when they rise to 110 degrees.
The county’s response will include a coordinated media campaign to inform citizens about the dangers of extreme heat. It will also extend the operating hours of public libraries as well as parks and recreation facilities when heat indexes reaches dangerous levels after closing hours.
This measure will also provide two-hour breaks for public employees who work outside and give access to water and shade when heat advisories are issued.
Members of the advocacy organization We Count attended the press conference to demand these accommodations become mandatory for the private sector.
“Employers don’t care about how hot it is outside,” said Pedro Hernandez, former farm worker and active member of We Count. “If you ask for permission to go to the bathroom they might get angry. If you ask for water they’ll say it’s too expensive for them. People should not be dying because of work and trying to provide food and shelter for their families.”
