The CDC and Heat Safety: Protecting Public Health

What is the CDC?

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the leading public health agency in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Founded in 1946, the CDC’s mission is to protect public health and safety through disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response. The agency conducts research, provides health guidelines, and works with local and state governments to prevent the spread of diseases and reduce health risks, including those related to extreme heat.

How the CDC Helps with Heat Safety 

Extreme heat poses serious health risks, particularly for young athletes, outdoor workers, older adults, and individuals with preexisting health conditions. The CDC provides valuable resources to help prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Their work includes:

• Heat Risk: The CDC provides a HeatRisk tool, which offers a health-based heat forecast that integrates temperature and health data. This tool helps individuals and communities understand their heat-related risk over the next seven days and take preventive measures accordingly. More details here.
  
• Heat Stress and Workers: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) outlines strategies to mitigate heat stress for workers. Recommendations include proper hydration, acclimatization to hot environments, and implementation of workplace modifications to reduce heat exposure. More details here.
  
• Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat-related illnesses vary in severity, from mild heat rash to life-threatening heat stroke. The CDC provides detailed guidelines on recognizing, preventing, and treating conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and rhabdomyolysis. More details here.

By staying informed and following CDC guidelines, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves and others from the dangers of extreme heat. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or outdoor worker, these resources provide essential knowledge to stay safe in hot conditions.