This template provides a framework for states considering adopting a Heat Awareness Week proclamation (May 18-24, 2026). It outlines goals, suggested activities, and implementation strategies to protect public health from extreme heat.

Week Overview and Purpose

Heat Awareness Week is a coordinated statewide initiative designed to raise public awareness about heat-related health risks, promote prevention strategies, and build community capacity to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Goals for Heat Awareness Week

1. Increase public awareness of heat illness signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies across all demographics
2. Reduce heat-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations through proactive education and intervention
3. Protect vulnerable populations including older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, people with chronic conditions, and low-income communities
4. Build sustainable infrastructure for heat preparedness including cooling centers, early warning systems, and community support networks
5. Engage and educate healthcare providers in recognizing heat illness, screening high-risk patients, implementing prevention protocols, and providing evidence-based treatment and heat safety counseling
6. Establish workplace heat safety protocols to protect outdoor workers and employees in high-heat environments
7. Foster regional collaboration among healthcare systems, public health agencies, employers, community organizations, and policymakers
8. Create long-term heat resilience planning at local, state, and regional levels

Daily Agenda Framework

Monday, May 18: Launch, Public Awareness, and Healthcare Sector Engagement

Theme: Understanding Heat Risks and Clinical Preparedness for Patient Protection

• Governor’s proclamation ceremony and press conference
• Healthcare provider webinars on heat illness recognition and treatment (MAACH will help create and facilitate these training sessions for interested states)
• Distribute multilingual educational materials through healthcare systems, libraries, community centers (MAACH will help create these materials)
• Media briefings with public health officials and healthcare experts
• Promote existing dedicated heat awareness website and resource hub
• Launch clinical screening tools for heat-vulnerable patients
• Pharmacist education sessions on medication-heat interactions

Tuesday, May 19: Workplace and Outdoor Worker Safety

Theme: Protecting Those Who Work in the Heat

• Employer workshops on proven heat safety protocols and OSHA guidelines that protect worker health and boost productivity
• Launch of workplace heat safety pledge program celebrating employers committed to worker wellbeing
• Distribution of cooling kits and hydration resources to outdoor workers, ensuring they stay healthy and energized
• Construction site safety training that empower workers with life-saving knowledge
• Agricultural worker outreach and education, honoring those who feed our communities

Wednesday, May 20: Community Resilience and Vulnerable Populations

Theme: Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Neighbors

• Publicize cooling center locations and hours
• Host community meetings to gather input on desired cooling center locations and amenities
• Community health fair with heat safety focus
• Community wellness check programs for older adults and isolated residents
• Homeless outreach and resource distribution
• Faith-based organization engagement and education
• Education for health professionals and communities on urban heat islands and their disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities

Thursday, May 21: Maternal and Child Health – Protecting Two Generations

Theme: Protecting Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children from Heat

• School heat safety training for administrators, teachers, and staff
• Guidelines for best practices for outdoor recess and physical education during high heat
• Childcare provider workshops on recognizing heat illness in young children
• Distribution of heat safety materials for parents and families
• Athletic program heat safety training for coaches and trainers
• School nurse education on heat illness prevention and treatment
• Student education assemblies on heat safety and staying cool
• School bus and transportation heat safety protocols
• Pediatrician webinars on counseling families about heat risks
• Special considerations for infants and young children in hot weather
• OB-GYN and prenatal care provider training on heat risks during pregnancy
• Education for pregnant women on staying cool and recognizing warning signs
• Outreach to prenatal clinics and birthing centers with heat safety resources
• Special considerations for postpartum mothers and newborns in hot weather

Friday, May 22: Policy, Planning, and Long-Term Action

Theme: Building Heat Resilience for the Future

• Stakeholder summit on heat resilience planning
• Promotion of state heat action plan or climate adaptation strategy
• Urban heat island mitigation initiatives (tree planting, cool roofs)
• Policy briefings on workplace heat standards and building codes
• Planning for emergency cooling programs
• Discussion of importance of ongoing heat surveillance and early warning systems
• Ensure healthcare professionals and health systems are knowledgeable about prevention, management, and treatment of heat-related illness through comprehensive training and clinical protocols

Weekend, May 23-24: Community Engagement and Sustained Awareness

Theme: Keep the Conversation Going

• Community events at parks, farmers markets, and public spaces
• Youth education programs and family activities
• Social media campaigns encouraging neighbor-to-neighbor checking
• Distribution of resources through places of worship
• Recap of week’s achievements and sustained commitment messaging

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Measurable Outcomes

• Number of people reached through education campaigns
• Number of healthcare providers trained
• Number of workplaces implementing heat safety protocols
• Number of cooling centers established or publicized
• Number of vulnerable residents receiving wellness checks
• Reduction in heat-related emergency department visits compared to previous years
• Number of community partners engaged
• Social media reach and engagement metrics
• Number of cooling kits and resources distributed

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Communication and Messaging

Core Messages

• Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard and is increasing in our state
• Heat illness is preventable with awareness and preparation
• Everyone has a role in protecting vulnerable neighbors
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Stay hydrated, seek shade and cooling, limit outdoor activity during peak heat
• Check on older adults, children, and isolated neighbors
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles

Target Audiences

• General public
• Older adults and their caregivers
• Parents and families with young children
• Pregnant women
• Outdoor workers and their employers
• People with chronic health conditions
• Low-income communities
• Communities of color
• Healthcare providers
• Policymakers and elected officials