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9 <br /> Number of Heat Emergercies and Minimum/Maxi mum Tern perature in degrees above 60,Orange <br /> County,NC, 61912 0 2 5-B125I2025 <br /> 40 10 <br /> 0 35 9 <br /> Figure Z:This data suggests that e <br /> 9 30 <br /> d <br /> when temperatures increased - ' <br /> 25 <br /> quickly or when there were 6 <br /> u 20 5 <br /> sustained periods of very hot <br /> U <br /> weather,there were more heat 15 4 ° <br /> 0 <br /> 3 <br /> related illnesses. ' 1° <br /> E2 z <br /> � 5 <br /> 1 <br /> 0 0 <br /> m IS 3 9 3 E C C C L' c e c <br /> n�a <br /> �M,.xImUm Tempeatue �-Mlnlinum remperaNm tNum6er pf HeaiEmerge�clee <br /> Analysis of recent heat emergency data reveals that heat-related Heat action Plannin -Vulnerability <br /> illnesses did not affect all segments of the population equally.EMS calls Vd­�r <br /> showed that male patients were disproportionately affected,accounting <br /> for 64%of the total patient population.The age demographics were <br /> also sharply divided,with elderly individuals(over 55 years of age) <br /> making up a large percentage of EMS calls,while youth between 15 <br /> and 20 constituted the second most common group experiencing heat- "dry <br /> related illness. C' <br /> Furthermore,significant racial disparities were observed:approximately <br /> 27%of heat emergencies involved Black patients,a figure that is starkly <br /> disproportionate given that this demographic represents only 10.2%of <br /> the overall Orange County population. <br /> Identifying Areas at Risk <br /> Viewing heat risk geographically can show patterns that aid in properly ' <br /> diagnosing and addressing heat-related issues.For example,it can b <br /> identify urban heat islands,or heavily developed areas where the J <br /> building materials and a lack of vegetation contribute to higher ambient .,-„.- <br /> temperatures.It can also reveal how past biases can lead to modern day <br /> racial and class disparities.Figures 3 and 4 show the locations in Orange = <br /> County that have higher risk from extreme heat. I <br /> By considering and including these groups in the planning process <br /> SOo[eFvi irvriii ir3�niR IGI Op¢LIneRap <br /> for the heat action plan,interventions like cooling center locations <br /> and hours,public awareness campaigns,and installation of cooling <br /> amenities can be geographically targeted to ensure the needs of people Figure 3. This map shows census tracts in Orange County where our <br /> who are at higher risk for heat illnesses are met. community is most vulnerable to excessive heat. Vulnerability is shown in <br /> the warmer colors and is made up of multiple factors,including income, <br /> age,race%thnicity,English proficiency,renter vs.homeowner,and car <br /> ownership. The map also includes data from the Rural Capacity Index, <br /> which describes a community's ability to meet their immediate needs <br /> and plan for their future.Most of the Countyscores very high in the Rural <br /> Capacity Index,which is good. The only exception is the area in the upper <br /> right outlined in black. This area has a medium index score.Graphic credit: <br /> Dave Almond,Senior 61S Analyst with the Town of Chapel Hill. <br /> 7 <br />