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16 <br /> GOAL 2: <br /> Enhanced Emergency �s - <br /> Response Mechanisms - <br /> r <br /> While many heat actions can occur throughout the heat season, <br /> extreme heat events require rapid response to protect the public and <br /> continue vital operations.In Orange County,an extreme heat event is <br /> defined by the National Weather Service as: <br /> • A heat index of 110°F or higher <br /> • Lasting two or more hours <br /> • Forecasted within the next 36-48 hours <br /> During these events,the County will: <br /> • Issue automated OC Alerts Excessive Heat Warnings Orange County Emergency Management will also disseminate a <br /> • Activate cooling centers with extended hours warning with information about heat index and available resources to <br /> • Release coordinated social media messaging emergency services partners,particularly EMS providers at start of shift, <br /> and alert the public via OC Alerts.Through OC Alerts,all self-registrants <br /> • Implement neighbor check-ins and outdoor activity limitations will be issued a warning and provided collective actions to take to stay <br /> The goal of this section of the plan is to coordinate all heat emergency safe.Orange County will work to further expand the reach of OC Alerts <br /> response actions in Orange County and create a response to extreme by continuing to encourage OC residents to sign up and by increasing <br /> heat events that protects all Orange County residents,especially those the app's usability. <br /> experiencing the greatest vulnerability to extreme heat. Orange County Community Relations,in collaboration with Orange <br /> County Emergency Management,will also alert the public through <br /> Action 8: Extreme Heat Notification and social media messaging.These messages,updated prior to each heat <br /> Communications season,will contain information about forecasted temperatures or heat <br /> Run a Heat Alert System in Orange County. indices and the length of the forecasted heat event. <br /> A Heat Season Temperature Tracking and Extreme Heat Alert System Additional information,including changing signage,prevention and <br /> ("Heat Alert System")will be developed by Orange County Emergency treatments for heat-related illnesses,local responses to the heat event <br /> Management to track temperatures daily and inform the local (e.g.,locations and operating hours of heat relief sites),will also be <br /> community,including residents and visitors,government offices, included.These alerts are important to increase community awareness <br /> schools,businesses and organizations that provide health services(e.g., of and preparation for anticipated extreme heat events and their <br /> hospitals),of imminent extreme heat events.This Heat Alert System will impacts. <br /> include implementation of a temperature tracking and alert system and Community Partners: <br /> a directory of local organizations and partners,updated prior to each OC Community Relations,OC Emergency Management,Community <br /> heat season,who will receive heat alert notifications via an app. Based Organizations <br /> When extreme heat is imminent,Orange County Emergency <br /> Management will utilize this directory to alert partners so they may <br /> prepare and implement their own heat relief and support efforts. <br /> 14 <br />