In anticipation of these severe weather events, the acting EMA Deputy issued the following an open letter to city mayors (Linton and Jasonville), town council members (Bloomfield, Lyons, Newberry, Solsberry, Switz City, and Worthington) and township trustees (Highland, Beech Creek, Cass, Center, Fairplay, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Richland, Smith, Stafford, Taylor, and Washington).

Open Letter

Dear Officials,

Heat-related illness and death is caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat. More Americans die from heat waves each year than any other extreme weather event. Extreme heat can be life threatening to elders, children, pregnant women and individuals with heart, kidney, and lung diseases. Low-income populations may be disproportionately affected by extreme heat due to reduced access to home air conditioning.

Cooling centers are an effective strategy to help reduce exposure to excess heat and prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. A cooling center is a location with air conditioning and water that operates during the hottest part of the day only. Cooling centers can also provide food, cooling resources, and other supportive services that may be available. They are an important option for people who do not have air conditioning in their homes or may have lost power in their homes.

The Greene County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) urges the establishment of cooling center protocols. The acting EMA Deputy is requesting that all local municipalities adopt and implement the following criteria for opening a cooling center in their jurisdiction to support area communities.

National Weather Service (NWS) Alerts: NWS alerts, such as heat advisories and excessive heat warnings. These alerts provide crucial information about the severity and duration of the heat event. The NWS alerts include Excessive Heat Outlook, Excessive Heat Watch, Heat Advisory, and Excessive Heat Warning.

Heat Index Thresholds: A specific heat index (a measure of temperature and humidity) threshold of 95 degrees or above two or more consecutive days shall trigger the opening of cooling centers in Greene County.

Persistent High Temperatures: A prolonged period of high temperatures at 95 degrees or above, particularly those that do not cool down significantly at night, shall also necessitate the opening of cooling centers. An example of triggers for opening a cooling center includes temperatures rising above 95 degrees for at least four hours in the afternoon or not cooling down below 80 degrees for more than four hours at night.