These results highlight the need to better link alerts to effective communication and intervention strategies to reduce heat-related mortality.Ĭlimate change Early warning systems Extreme heat Heat warnings Public health.Ĭopyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. Our results suggest that between 20, NWS heat alerts were not associated with lower mortality in most cities studied, potentially missing a valuable opportunity to avert a substantial number of heat-related deaths. No statistically significant beneficial association was observed in other individual cities. In Philadelphia, heat alerts were associated with a 4.4% (95% CI: -8.3, -0.3) lower mortality rate or an estimated 45.1 (95% empirical CI: 3.1, 84.1) deaths averted per year if this association is assumed to be causal. Overall, NWS heat alerts were not associated with lower mortality rates (percent change in rate: -0.5% ). We combined city-specific estimates into a summary measure using standard random-effects meta-analytic techniques. We used a case-crossover design and conditional logistic regression to compare mortality rates on days with versus without heat alerts among such eligible days, adjusting for maximum daily heat index and temporal factors. To quantify the change in mortality rates associated with heat alerts in 20 US cities between 20.īecause NWS heat alerts are issued based on forecast weather and these forecasts are imperfect, in any given location there exists a set of days of similar observed heat index in which heat alerts have been issued for some days but not others. The effectiveness of these alerts in preventing deaths remains largely unknown. The US National Weather Service (NWS) issues heat advisories and warnings (collectively, "heat alerts") in advance of forecast extreme heat events. and Canada.Extreme heat is a well-documented public health threat. See USA TODAY’s interactive map of weather warnings, air quality index and wildfire smoke map for the U.S. Just one state (Michigan) was under a red flag warning on Wednesday after five states were under such conditions Tuesday, including parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington and Alaska. When is tornado season?: Worst months (and states) for tornado activity Where is there a red flag warning? The National Weather Service in Birmingham said multiple waves of thunderstorms are expected tonight through Thursday evening along a stationary boundary over southern/southwestern central Alabama. If you are planning to grill, do not leave the grill unattended and dispose of ashes and charcoal properly by soaking them in water and throwing them in a metal can. Drier conditions mean embers or sparks from outdoor fires can easily ignite leaves or grass. There aren't specific guidelines against grilling during a red flag warning, but you’ll want to exercise more caution than normal if you do. Is climate change to blame? Can you grill during a red flag warning? The IAFC also recommends keeping grass and vegetation short and watered before a red flag warning to keep your home safe from fires.Ĭanada wildfires: Smoke makes US air unhealthy and skies eerie. Make sure trailer chains do not drag on the ground.Do not drive vehicles in dry, tall grass.Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle, which can ignite grass and start a wildfire The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system commonly used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information, such as weather and AMBER alerts, to affected communities.Avoid using lawnmowers in dry vegetation and follow local fire guidelines when using chainsaws and other motors.Soak ashes and charcoal in water and dispose of them in a metal can.Keep burn barrels covered with a weighted metal cover.Extinguish outdoor fires properly and do not leave them unattended.What to do if you get a red flag warningĪccording to the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the weather service, residents can protect their homes from fire danger by following these guidelines: Red flag warnings are typically issued during the spring and fall fire seasons, the weather service says, which is Feb. It’s especially important for fire managers and officials – red flag warnings let them know to stop any planned burns and keep an eye out for wildfires. The weather service issues a red flag warning when there is an increased risk of fire danger because of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. If your area is under alert here’s what it means and what to do about it. as well, with the National Weather Service listing parts of Michigan as under a red flag warning for Wednesday after five states were listed at risk on Tuesday. The smoke has made its way to the U.S., resulting in unhealthy air quality levels and eerie, hazy sunrises.įire danger is poised to strike in parts of the U.S. More than 400 wildfires burned across Canada on Tuesday, 238 of them considered out-of-control.
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