LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – For the first time since records have been kept, Vegas hit 120 degrees this summer. That was just one day during the hottest June and July on record in the valley.
During destructive natural events – like fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes – the president can declare a natural disaster area meaning federal dollars are immediately available for help. Senator Jacky Rosen wants extreme heat waves added to that list.
This week, Rosen introduced legislation to expand access to resources and funding to address damages and losses resulting from extreme heat.
The “Extreme Heat Emergency Act” would allow extreme heat to qualify as a major disaster as record-breaking temperatures put people at risk.
“Mortality rates from dehydration and heat stroke are going up. They are now, at the moment, five times what they are with no heat wave,” revealed Dr. Steffen Lehmann, UNLV Professor and Director of the Urban Futures Lab.
Dr. Lehmann has long been studying the Urban Heat Island Effect in the Las Vegas area, where temperatures are elevated in more urban parts of the city with fewer trees and greenery and more asphalt.
“We always say extreme heat is the silent killer. Not only air pollution but also heat stroke and dehydration. People, especially the elderly, children, people working outside, also homeless people are clearly suffering,” Dr. Lehmann contended.
If the legislation is approved, federal funding for heat emergencies could include things like temporary cooling centers, polar pods to cool down people experiencing heat-related illness quickly, and portable air conditioning units or fans for vulnerable Nevadans.
Both the senator and professor argue it is critical the “Extreme Heat Emergency Act” gets passed sooner than later because communities like Las Vegas and Reno are the two fastest-warming cities in the country.
A similar bill to Rosen’s was previously introduced last year. It was co-sponsored by Northern Nevada Rep. Republican Mark Amodei.
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