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13 <br /> GOAL 1 : <br /> Outreach and Education <br /> to Prepare and Protect <br /> the Public y <br /> Heat-related illnesses and deaths are highly preventable.Successful <br /> education on heat risk is,therefore,one of the most effective ways <br /> to save lives during the heat season.By focusing on public outreach Orange County Community Relations will expand heat-related outreach <br /> and education,we aim to inform residents and visitors of the risks of efforts each heat season,including: <br /> extreme heat exposure and the simple safety measures that may be . A Heat Week proclamation at the end of May <br /> used to make them safer.We also aim to connect residents and visitors <br /> with available resources for limiting heat exposure. • Flyers and signage <br /> Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects • Other non-digital communication methods to reach residents <br /> of extreme heat.Special attention is paid in this plan to some of these without reliable online access <br /> populations—among them outdoor workers and youth.Among the In the future,Orange County aims to expand this messaging strategy <br /> actions incorporated into the plan are public messaging via social using multiple social media platforms,public service announcements, <br /> media and printed materials,education on home cooling strategies, and informational flyers,post cards and brochures.The County will <br /> and promotion of'cool'events,all of which are designed to give also develop materials targeting specific higher risk populations,such <br /> members of the public the resources necessary to prepare for extreme as youth athletes and the unhoused,and distribute these materials at <br /> heat and protect against it.Education and outreach are the first step to targeted locations. <br /> meaningful heat action in Orange County and are central to the Heat In addition to Heat Safety messaging,Orange County will create <br /> Action Plan. messaging which addresses the link between increased heat and fossil <br /> Action 1: Public Heat Messaging fuel usage. <br /> Community Partners: <br /> Educate and inform the public about extreme heat risks and Community Based Organizations,Heat Task Force and database,UNC <br /> resources. School of Journalism,Eco Studio,OC Community Relations <br /> Extreme heat awareness is vital to protecting public health and <br /> safety.Orange County Emergency Management currently maintains, Action 2: Outdoor Worker Education <br /> promotes,and regularly updates the webpage www.orangecountync. Educate outdoor workers and employers of outdoor workers on <br /> gov/Heat with local extreme heat preparedness information, heat safety. <br /> including descriptions of extreme heat and heat-related illness,safety <br /> information,local heat relief resources,and weather forecasts from the Outdoor workers face heightened risk from extreme heat due to: <br /> National Weather Service. • Prolonged exposure to high temperatures <br /> In addition to this webpage,a"Beat the Heat"suite of educational • Limited access to cooling during work hours <br /> messages was developed in 2025 to inform the public about the signs, . Higher likelihood of being low-income or members of marginalized <br /> symptoms and prevention strategies for heat-related illnesses.These communities <br /> awareness messages have been distributed via the OCNCGov Facebook <br /> page and shared by the municipalities to increase residents'awareness Annually,Orange County and local government partners will endeavor <br /> of heat,heat health impacts,and individual safety measures. to increase awareness of heat-related health concerns and adoption of <br /> safe work practices in this population by developing and distributing <br /> educational materials that specifically target individuals who work <br /> outside,such as Public Works employees.The County will also offer <br /> 11 <br />