Agenda 03-17-2026; 8-h - Approval of the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan

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7 What is the Risk? The number of hot days and hot nights is projected to increase in Orange County.In the past,the County has experienced about 8 days per year with a high temperature of more than 957 and 17 days where nighttime lows do not drop below 707.By the 2060s those numbers are projected to increase to 28 to 41 days above 957 and 47 to 64 nights with lows above 70°F(see Table 1).This is due to an increased frequency r of heat waves associated with climate change.Continuous exposure to il fill heat harms all residents,but particularly those who live in dwellings without adequate air conditioning or insulation.This continuous exposure to extreme heat disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations,including pregnant people,those with preexisting health Who Is Most at Risk? conditions,unhoused people,the elderly,and children. While everyone is impacted by extreme heat,certain groups have heightened vulnerability due to underlying health conditions or Days with Max Temps Over 95'F social or economic factors.Understanding local risk factors and Between 1983 and 2014, By the 2060s,Orange County which populations are more at risk from extreme heat is important to on average,Orange County will experience developing a heat action plan that effectively and equitably protects all experienced high temperatures high temperatures members of our community. of 950 F or greater: of 95'F or greater: Infants and children: 8 days per year 28 to 41 days per year Infants and children are not able to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults.Additionally,infants and young children cannot,or Between 1983 and 2014, By the 2060s,Orange County cannot fully,communicate that they may be experiencing heat stress. on average,Orange County will experience Infants and children rely on others to keep them cool and hydrated experienced high temperatures high temperatures when it's hot outside. of 90'F or greater: of 90'F or greater: 39 days per year 74 to 88 days per year Outdoor Workers: People who work outdoors,such as construction workers,agricultural Nights with Max Temps Over 700 F workers,landscape workers,roofers and HVAC technicians,are exposed Between 1983 and 2014, By the 2060s,Orange County to heat,often for long periods of time,putting them at increased on average,Orange County will experience risk from heat-related illnesses.Additionally,outdoor workers may experienced low temperatures low temperatures have limited control over work conditions(e.g.,no access to shade or of 70'F or greater: of 70'F or greater: air-conditioning,required clothing or uniforms made from fabrics that 17 nights per year 47 to 64 nights per year don't breathe).Potential language barriers to receiving heat-related Table 7:A projection of the ways temperature will change in Orange County information may also exist among some outdoor workers. in the future.Days with temperatures over 95°Fare expected to increase in Pregnant people: number,and day and night temperatures are predicted to increase as well. Pregnant people are more likely to get heat exhaustion,heatstroke or other heat-related illnesses sooner than non-pregnant people.This is Source:https://www.resilienceexchange.ncgov/understand-your- because their bodies must work harder to cool down both the pregnant vulnerabilities/climate-observations-and-projections person's body and the developing baby.Pregnant people are also more likely to become dehydrated,limiting their ability to cool themselves by sweating.Those who are pregnant and are faced with high heat are also more likely to have preterm births,low birth weight babies,and heat related illness. Low income: Individuals and families with low incomes are more likely to live in poorly ventilated apartments or mobile homes,lack access to air conditioners,and be unable to afford the costs of cooling or the cost of transportation to cool places. 5