Climate Change Threatens Phoenix / Tempe and the Elderly with a Potential Heat Disaster
The threat of continued triple digit heat in Phoenix and Tempe means we need to be prepared to assist the elderly and impoverished in a Heat Emergency.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that heat is already the deadliest weather phenomenon in the US, killing hundreds of people each year, more than floods, fires, earthquakes, lightning strikes, tornadoes, or hurricanes. With climate change, the threat is only getting worse, particularly for the elderly and the impoverished.”
A Vox article reports on the looming disaster of a massive heat “wave of high-pressure air parked over Phoenix.” Phoenix is home to 4 million people, and is projected to grow to 6.6 million people by 2050. “By then, more than 20 percent of the population will be older than 65.”
The Vox article goes on to lay out what a heat disaster in Phoenix will look like. After 5 days of continued triple digit heat, city officials will declare a public health emergency, but many seniors could lose their lives by the time a health emergency is declared. In 2017, high temperatures killed a record 172 people in the Phoenix metropolitan area during the summer, up from 150 heat deaths in 2016 and 85 in 2015.
“As the climate changes, heat waves will get worse. Not only is Phoenix one of the hottest cities in the United States, it’s one of the fastest warming. By 2060, the city will have 132 days above 100 degrees, according to Climate Central, a consortium of researchers and reporters.”
To read more about how a heat disaster will impact Phoenix CLICK HERE:
The Vox article calls for action, and states that Phoenix must be prepared for a worst case heat wave scenario. Preparedness and response to the escalating effects of warmer weather in Phoenix include building with white roofs and increased shading, the use of Energy Star appliances, smart grid technologies and solar power generation. For the elderly, increased preparedness through the provision of cooling centers and programs to check on our eldelry residents in an emergency is recommended.
BrightStar Care Home Caregivers play an important role in keeping our clients safe in an emergency. Please visit our resources and tool on Emergency Preparedness: Tips for keeping your loved one safe: CLICK HERE
BrightStar Care of Phoenix / Tempe follows the National Patient Safety Goals of The Joint Commission and provides 24/7 services and emergency care during this kind of crisis. Further, our nurses can help you make a plan as part of your overall care plan. To learn more about how your loved one might benefit from our expert in-home care team, please call: 480-897-1166
BrightStar Care of Phoenix / Tempe provides a full continuum of emergency home care services, including companionship, personal care, dementia care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing, and more, to improve our clients’ health and quality of life.
To learn more about our local team of emergency home caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for Arizona families and businesses, please Click Here