HomeMy Public PortalAboutRichmond Heat Management Plan-May 2023COOLING OUR COMMUNITY
City of Richmond
Heat Management Plan
Spring 2023
The City of Richmond’s Heat Relief Coordinator, Lucy Mellen, would like to acknowledge and thank
all of the individuals that aided in the creation of this plan. Individuals and groups that played a role
in the research and creation of this document include:
Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Insititute Beat the Heat Team Members
Dr. Dana Habeeb, Beat the Heat Principal Investigator
Matt Flaherty, Implementation Manager
Liv Davis, Extreme Heat Coordinator
Zach Richardson, Resilience Analyst
City of Richmond Department of Infrastructure and Development
Ian Vanness, Director of Infrastructure and Development
Grayson Hart, GIS Coordinator
Wayne County Emergency Management Agency
Matthew Cain, Director
Richmond’s Heat Relief Task Force
Dr. Charlie Peck, Earlham College
Pam Zelaya, Richmond Community Schools
Susan Isaacs, Wayne Township Trustee
Anna Osborn-Brown, Reid Health
Christine Stinson, Wayne County Health Department
Angela McDaniel, Wayne County Health Department
Bill Engle, City Council
Izzi Waterman, Parks and Recreation Department
Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Amigos Latino Center
Mary Stephens, Richmond Power & Light
Whitney May, Hope House
Beth Evans, Lifestream Services
Matt Evans, Wayne County
Alison Zajdel, Environmental Sustainability Commission
Town of Clarksville
Bronte Murrell, Heat Relief Coordinator
Heat Vulnerability Comment Survey Respondents
Focus Group Participants
Richmond’s Beat the Heat iniative is funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs
and supplemental funding for the Heat Watch Campaign was provided by Reid Health.
Heat Watch Campaign Volunteers
Margaret Lechner
Susy Hasecoster
Patti Peterson
Teri Grossman
Gwen Halsted
Benjamin Guard
Tom Ferkinhoff
Guy Gutherie
Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
Ron Itnyre
Stuart Milligan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the United States, extreme heat causes more fatalities than any other weather-related hazard. The threat
posed by hot weather is only anticipated to worsen, with the ten hottest years on record occurring in the
past two decades. As a consequence, the public health threats that accompany increased temperatures will
also worsen. Richmond’s most vulnerable residents will feel this burden more heavily, compounding issues
these individuals and communities are already dealing with. With the creation of Richmond’s first Heat
Management Plan, the City is acknowledging and addressing the impending risk of increased temperatures
in order to build a more resilient community. In addition to this plan, other City plans share similar goals of
increasing environmental sustainability, supporting our most vulnerable residents, and engaging with the
community over emergency preparedness.
This plan was completed as part of the Beat the Heat program, a two-year, grant-funded initiative aimed at
combating the public health impacts of extreme summer heat in Richmond. The program funded the salary
of a full-time Heat Relief Coordinator and was supported by Richmond’s Department of Infrastructure and
Development and Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI). The grant for Beat the Heat
was developed by ERI and funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
The program ran from May 2021 to Februrary 2023 and is sequenced in five phases, which build on each
other. The goal of the Beat the Heat program was to understand how the Richmond community was
presently burdened by extreme heat and develop and implement a plan to alleviate those burdens. The
Heat Management Plan serves to organize and prioritize these efforts and can help inform future City plans
and initiatives.
These heat management strategies are organized into four categories. The Heat Wave Response Protocol
is the first category, which outlines strategies that can be implemented when a heatwave is imminent to
provide more immediate relief to the community. The other three sections—Public Outreach, Home Cooling,
and Climate Responsive Design—include longer-range strategies to increase awareness and limit the risk
and exposure to dangerous heat.
The plan provides context for the heat management strategies with information about the Beat the
Heat program, the risks posed by extreme heat, urban heat islands, projected temperature increases in
Richmond, and resident awareness and management of extreme heat risk.
The Heat Management Plan strategies were limited to the two-year timeframe of Beat the Heat and thus
relied on the Heat Relief Coordinator for their implementation.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 4
Tables and Figures 5
Beat the Heat Overview 6
Program Objectives
Program Timeline
Heat Relief Task Force
Extreme Heat: Why it Matters 8
What Causes Extreme Heat
Connections to City Plans 10
Community Needs Assessment 11
Heat Mapping Campaign
Heat Vulnerability Index
Community Feedback
Heat Management Plan 21
A. Heat Wave Response Protocol
B. Public Outreach
C. Home Cooling
D. Climate Responsive Design
Implementation and Next Steps 43
Appendix A. Actions Table 45
Appendix B. Glossary 48
Appendix C. References 50
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 5
Figures
1. Beat the Heat Program Timeline 6
2. City of Richmond Heat Relief Task Force 7
3. Current and Projected Extreme Heat Events 9
4. Profile of the Heat Island Effect 9
5. Heat Watch Campaign Volunteers on August 23, 2021 11
6. Richmond Heat Vulnerability Index 14
7. Sociodemographic Variables That Went into the Heat Vulnerability Index 15
8. Focus Group Summaries 18
9. Cooling Strategies and Their Co-Benefits 38
10. A Green Infrastructure Bioswale in Downtown 40
11. Shade Sails in Jack Elstro Plaza 40
12. A Bus Stop Shelter and Bike Rack on East Main Street 40
Tables
1. Community Feedback Summary Table 19
2. Recommended Strategies with Detailed Community Feedback 20
3. Heat Wave Response Protocol Strategies 27
4. Public Outreach Strategies 32
5. Home Cooling Strategies 36
6. Climate Responsive Design Strategies 42
7. Anticipated Strategies Timeline 43
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 6
Program Objectives
Beat the Heat was a local government initiative led by Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute
and funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural (OCRA) affairs. Beat the Heat was a two-year-long
program running from May 2021 to February 2023, in both Richmond and Clarksville, Indiana. Thanks to
generous support from OCRA, the two communities were able to hire full-time Heat Relief Coordinators who
were the primary local organizers for the Beat the Heat program.
The purpose of the program was to assist communities in developing tangible, long-term, and sustainable
strategies to help residents manage the stress and health risks posed by an increasing number of hot days.
The program was organized in five phases: Program Launch, Community Needs Assessment, Heat Relief
Strategy Development, Strategy Implementation, and Continuity Planning/Program Evaluation. This Heat
Management Plan is the culmination of the first three phases and will be implemented in Phase 4 and
beyond.
Program Timeline
Figure 1: Beat the Heat Program Timelines
BEAT THE HEAT OVERVIEW
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 7
Heat Relief Task Force
Establishing a Heat Relief Task Force was one of the first steps in kicking off the Beat the Heat
Program. The goal of the Heat Relief Task Force was to make the Beat the Heat programming and
outreach efforts as inclusive as possible. The Task Force assisted the Heat Relief Coordinator in
outreach, development of program materials, project implementation, and other programmatic
needs. The Task Force consisted of community stakeholders from county and city government,
health, energy, and education sectors, and other Richmond residents. Additional stakeholders were
regularly contacted and recruited for participation in the Task Force. Figure 2 depicts Task Force
membership as of June 2022.
Figure 2: City of Richmond Heat Relief Task Force
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 8
WHY HEAT MATTERSExtreme Heat
Has Impacts
On...
Health
• Extreme heat is
responsible for more
deaths in the U.S. in an
average year than any
other weather-related
Hazard.1
• Higher temperatures
are linked to a greater
instance of respiratory
health problems. 2
Economy
• Heatwaves can cause
blackouts of the energy
grid due to the increased
demand for energy, which
may leave individuals
unable to power air
conditioners, medical
equipment, and other
essentials3
• Extreme heat causes
economic losses through
lost work hours, increased
energy costs, and stress
on infrastructure like
roads, bridges, and
railroad tracks.4
Environment
• Increased temperatures
worsen air quality by
increasing the formation
of smog, especially in
urban settings.5
• Heatwaves can exacerbate
wildfire risk and drought,
leading to further
health, economic, and
environmental harm.6
Who’s at Risk?
The impacts of extreme heat are not universally felt, posing greater risks to some
demographic groups.
Outdoor Workers
Individuals that work outdoors have a greater risk of heat-related illness due to
prolonged exposure to heat and ozone air pollution.7
Older Adults
Older adults are often more vulnerable to extreme heat because they may have
a reduced ability to sweat or may be on medications that impact temperature
regulation. Older adults also have a more difficult time regulating their body
temperature during sudden temperature changes. 8
Young Children
Young children are more susceptible to extreme heat due to their small size, more
rapid breath rates associated with body size, dependency on adults for caretaking,
and their still developing respiratory systems, which can be impacted by smog.9
People with Chronic Illnesses
People with chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable to extreme heat
due to taking medications that make the effects of extreme heat worse or because
their conditions are risk factors for heat-related illness.10
People Experiencing Homelessness
People experiencing homelessness are often at a greater risk of heat-related illness
due to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and less access to resources
and cooling spaces during heatwaves. 11
Low-Income Communities
People living in low-income communities may have limited access to consistent
air conditioning or limited capacity to respond to high heat, which can increase
their exposure on hot summer days and nights. 12
Communities of Color
Historic housing policies, such as redlining, and other forms of systemic
discrimination have resulted in communities of color being disproportionately
exposed to higher temperatures and often with fewer resources to manage high
heat.13
Pregnant People
Several studies have linked high temperatures with adverse pregnancy outcomes,
including preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight, as well as congenital heart
defects.14
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 9
WHAT CAUSES EXTREME HEAT?
Climate Change
While increased instances of extreme heat
are not universal across the world, average
global temperatures have been increasing
annually for decades. According to a global
analysis by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Association (NOAA), “The 10
warmest years on record have all occurred
since 2005, and 7 of the 10 have occurred
just since 2014.”15 This warming is primarily
caused by greenhouse gas emissions from
human activities, primarily the burning of
fossil fuels. These emissions increase the
Earth’s greenhouse effect, which causes
greenhouse gas molecules to absorb and
radiate heat back into the atmosphere near
the earth’s surface, leading to warming
temperatures globally. Currently, Richmond
experiences 18 extreme heat events per
year on average. By the 2050s, this number
is projected to increase to between 60 and
74 events per year.16 See figure 3 for more
information.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Urban areas suffer from extreme heat more
than their rural landscape counterparts.
This is due to the fact that urban areas
have more buildings, roads, and built
infrastructure than natural and rural areas.
These types of infrastructure absorb and
emit heat at a much higher rate than natural
and rural areas, causing those in the city’s
more developed regions to experience
temperature differently. Temperature
increases in urban areas are caused by the
urban heat island effect. In places where
green space is limited, the urban heat island
effect can make daytime temperatures trend
1-7°F hotter than in outlying areas.17 See
figure 4 for more information.
Figure 3: Current and Projected Extreme Heat Events
Figure 4: Profile of the Heat Island Effect
Source: Environmental Protection Agency (2016)
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 10
Richmond Rising: Comprehensive Plan
Created in 2019, the Richmond Rising Comprehensive
Plan outlines a variety of steps aimed at growing,
connecting, protecting, and celebrating Richmond. One
focus of the “Protect Richmond” component of the plan
is “Protecting Richmond’s Natural Resources,” which
includes a series of project recommendations that can
achieve that goal. Primary objectives related to the Heat
Management Plan include “Encourage the development
of citywide sustainability and resiliency strategies in
the long term” and “Educate and encourage local
residents and organizations on community emergency
preparedness.”
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan aims to promote
Parks Department offerings, respond to community
needs, invite activity into their spaces, diversify and
optimize their resources, and enhance their parks and
open space systems. Within these plans, the Parks and
Recreation Department has a variety of goals and objectives
surrounding aid to vulnerable populations, increasing
resiliency initiatives, and maximizing environmental
performance through sustainable solutions. These goals
align with the actions outlined in the Heat Management Plan.
Climate Action Plan
The City of Richmond unanimously adopted its Climate
Action Plan (CAP) in September of 2022. In development
at the same time as this Heat Management Plan, Beat
the Heat’s activities influenced the tone of the CAP by
heavily emphasizing its climate change adaptation
measures and attention to social impacts. The heat and
heat vulnerability index maps that inform this plan are
featured in the CAP, and serve as a model of the type of
public engagement and data-driven planning that need
to also occur for other climate-related stressors and risks
that the CAP addresses.
CONNECTIONS TO CITY PLANS
City of Richmond, Indiana
Climate
Action Plan
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 11
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
From July 2021 to February 2022, Beat the Heat conducted a Community Needs Assessment. The
goal of the Community Needs Assessment was to better understand how the Richmond community
is currently impacted by extreme heat. In order to do this, the City conducted a Heat Mapping
Campaign with the help of local volunteers. Volunteers collected temperature data which resulted in
a series of heat maps of the city. In addition to the maps, Beat the Heat also engaged the Richmond
community through a community survey, focus groups, and interviews.
Heat Mapping Campaign
Figure 5: Heat Watch Campaign Volunteers on August 23, 2021
Campaign Volunteers
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 12
1
1
79°
2
82°
While typically lacking trees
for shade, agricultural land
can provide a significant
cooling effect to its area and
the land surrounding it
Due to containing a decent amount of built
infrastructure, residential areas with only
sporadic tree cover will still run relatively
warm when compared with areas with vast
ground and canopy cover.
Heat Mapping Campaign Map
On August 23, 2021, 13 volunteers drove or biked around the City of
Richmond with temperature sensors affixed to their vehicles. The
volunteers traversed the city at three separate times throughout
the day, collecting data as they drove or biked. Volunteers collected
34,454 temperature measurements throughout the day. These
measurements were then sent to CAPA strategies, a data analytics
firm that created the campaign, who aggregated the data into heat
maps for each collection time (6 - 7 am, 3 - 4 pm, and 7 - 8 pm). The
map below depicts an average of all three maps.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 13
2
3
3
77°
4
4
84°
The roads and
parking lots surrounding
Highway 40 absorb heat
throughout the day and
stay hot into the night.
Tree cover and additional
vegetation, such as that
present in Hayes
Arboretum, have a
significant impact on heat
absorbtion.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 14
Figure 6: Richmond Heat Vulnerability Index
Heat Vulnerability Index
A Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) is a metric used to identify areas in a community where people
are most vulnerable to heat. HVIs can be used to target heat management strategies for priority
areas, guide the development of new policies, and as a communication tool to raise awareness
about vulnerability to extreme heat. For the creation of Richmond’s HVI, the ERI team integrated
heat sensitivity data and heat exposure data in all census block groups, highlighting three
priority groupings (Fig. 6). These priority areas are the locations where people are most at risk to
extreme heat. The process used to create the Beat the Heat HVI is based on the Philadelphia Heat
Vulnerability Index.18
To identify at-risk areas, the ERI team created a sensitivity score and identified areas with high
heat exposure by combining seven sociodemographic variables into one score (Fig. 7). The
sociodemographic variables include age (under 5 and over 65), educational attainment, language
barrier, poverty, race/ethnicity, and social isolation. These variables were selected based on their
association with negative health effects from extreme heat. These variables are sourced from the
American Community Survey (2015-2019 5-year average).19
To analyze heat exposure, the ERI team used the near-surface air temperatures from the evening
map because nighttime temperatures have a stronger association with negative health effects from
extreme heat; the heat island effect is more pronounced in the evening, and the evening hours
exhibit the largest temperature differentials between block groups. The team ranked each block
group by its sensitivity score and heat exposure and spatially overlaid these two dimensions to
identify block groups with high scores in both categories. This process identified three priority areas.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 15
Figure 7: Sociodemographic Variables That Went into the Heat Vulnerability Index
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 16
Community Insights
To understand how Richmond residents are currently impacted by extreme heat, Beat the Heat
hosted focus groups and a community survey. While having similar goals, the focus groups aimed
to generate conversation with vulnerable individuals and communities and the public survey was
used to get feedback from the Richmond community as a whole. The following section outlines
an overview of the results of the focus groups and the community survey. The section ends with
a recommended strategies table that synthesizes all of the feedback data and opinions given by
residents and participants.
Community Outreach
Community outreach for each of the community needs assessment components occurred in various
ways. Means of outreach and engagement involved tabling, email outreach, meals on wheels
food distribution inserts, word of mouth, social media postings, flyers, letters to the Townsend
Community Center after-school participants, and tapping into existing community networks
such as the Senior Community Center, the Wayne County 4-H Club, and the Parks and Recreation
Department.
Challenges
While community outreach during the Community Needs Assessment portion of the Beat the
Heat program allowed for beneficial data collection and engagement, there were some challenges
encountered when doing so.
• The Heat Vulnerability Survey was not conducted during a topically relevant time (Fall/Winter).
• The COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted in-person outreach opportunities and the desire to
participate in focus groups.
• The community survey was primarily hosted online, which likely impacted access issues.
• Focus Group recruitment happened largely around the holiday season, likely impacting
availability and willingness to engage.
Importance of Community Outreach
Community outreach is vital to the success of Beat the Heat and has been emphasized since
the start of the program. The central goal of Beat the Heat is to provide beneficial extreme heat
adaptation and mitigation measures that aid in alleviating the public health burden that heat has
on vulnerable populations. This is achieved through understanding how the Richmond community
is presently positioned to deal with increased temperatures, and what actions may increase and
streamline the current response measures. Through the time and effort of generous community
members, Beat the Heat was able to establish a baseline for heat response, vulnerability, and
preference within the community and has used that feedback to advise the recommended
strategies present in this document.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 17
Community Survey
182 individuals in Richmond completed
the Heat Vulnerability Comment Survey. In
this survey, community members shared
their personal experiences with extreme
heat and their thoughts on how it should
be addressed. The information on this page
outlines some of the major themes that
the survey highlighted. Additional results
are included in the plan wherever they
are releveant to the different planned
strategies.
43% of survey respondents
have experienced heat
exhaustion
1 in 3
people that took the survery
experience a barrier to using
their home cooling system
Top two barriers of home
cooling
Cost of Bills & Cost of Repairs
Heat-Related Illness
Home Cooling
Favored Temperature Reduction Strategies
Tree Planting Gardens and
Green Space
Cool Roofs Parks
67%53%40%37%
How important do you think
high heat is in the community?
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 18
Focus Groups
To elaborate further on the topics addressed in the community survey, Beat the Heat conducted five
focus groups with individuals from identified vulnerable populations. Through collaboration with
local organizations and groups, the five groups hosted included government employees, outdoor
workers, youth aged 14 - 18, older adults aged 60+, and parents/guardians. Group conversations
were centered around individuals’ personal experiences with extreme heat and heat-related illness,
how participants manage heat, and what strategies they would like to see included in the Heat
Management Plan. Figure 8 below depicts a summary of the groups based on the topics addressed.
Figure 8: Focus Group Summaries
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 19
Summary Strategies
The tables below depict the most popular topics addressed in the community survey, Focus Groups,
and interviews. In Table 1, the columns on the left categorize each strategy into the three main Heat
Management Plan groups: Community Design, Home Cooling, and Public Outreach. The top rows
outline which questions from the survey, focus group or interview the marked response appeared.
Numbers represent how many people indicated a preference for the strategy and a checked box
signifies that that group or individual mentioned the strategy as a preference.
Table 2 depicts more detailed recommendations from the focus groups, interviews, and open-
response survey questions from the survey. This feedback helped shape the 24 different strategies
outlined in the following pages.
Table 1: Community
Feedback Summary Table
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 20
Table 2: Recommended Strategies with Detailed Community Feedback
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 21
A. HEAT WAVE RESPONSE
PROTOCOL
1. Heat Wave Alerts
2. Public Cooling
3. Vulnerable Population Support
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 22
A. HEAT WAVE RESPONSE PROTOCOL
Overview
Across the world, heat waves are occurring with greater frequency and intensity. In Richmond
specifically, extreme heat events are projected to more than triple by 2050, going from an average of 18
extreme heat events per year to 60 - 74 per year. Because of this, it is imperative that local communities
are prepared to act when these extreme heat events are anticipated to occur. Having a Heat Wave
Response Protocol will ensure that when Richmond is faced with a Heat Wave, responsible parties
are prepared to implement effective and beneficial measures to ensure the health and safety of its
residents.20 The following Protocol outlines 9 strategies, all of which will be activated when specific
temperature thresholds are reached. Following each summer, the protocol will be evaluated and if
necessary, revised to ensure its components are up to date and effective.
1. Heat Wave Alerts
The following four strategies under “Heat Wave Alerts” address actions that can be implemented in
Richmond when an extreme heat event is anticipated. Strategies A1.a and A1.b focus on alerting the
community through the Wayne County Emergency Management hazardous weather alert system, NIXLE,
and strategies A1.c and A1.d expand past the NIXLE system to ensure all individuals in the community
are made aware of upcoming extreme heat events.
A1.a County Heat Alerts
Send extreme heat text and email alerts to individuals subscribed to the Wayne County Emergency
Management Agency NIXLE messaging system. Subscribers will be notified of Excessive Heat Warnings
when heat indexes reach 105° or above and Heat Advisories for heat indexes between 100° and 104°. The
feasibility of alerting subscribers to lower index thresholds, such as that produced by special weather
statements, will be explored to allow for more information to reach a limited target audience.
Context
• 37% of survey respondents said cell phone alerts about heatwaves would help them manage high
temperatures.
• According to researchers in Queensland, Australia, preliminary evidence “supports the notion
that HWS (Heat Warning Systems) are effective in reducing heat-related mortality (and potentially
morbidity).”21
• The National Weather Service does not currently send SMS, landline, or cell phone alerts when a
Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch, or Excessive Heat Warning is active.
Anticipated Impact
Community members subscribed to the service will receive notifications about impending and current
extreme heat events. In addition to heat index information, subscribers will learn of extreme heat events
and be connected to local resources.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 23
A1.b Heat Alert Promotion
Promote the Wayne County Emergency Management NIXLE Notification System to the Richmond
community to encourage individuals to subscribe.
Context
• Currently, only 6,800 individuals are signed up for the service in the entirety of Wayne County. Since
Wayne County has over 66,000 residents, this low subscription rate can likely be in part attributed to
a lack of awareness.
• The NIXLE service is subscription-based, meaning that individuals need to be aware of it and take
action to subscribe to it in order to be notified.
Anticipated Impact
Community members will be made aware of the NIXLE notification system and encouraged to apply.
A1.c Heat Alert Promotion
Notify the public and additional stakeholders when heatwave alerts are active through social media and
City communication channels.
Context
• The City of Richmond’s social media has the capacity to reach over 7,000 individuals.
Anticipated Impact
Community members, both subscribed to NIXLE and not, will be notified through existing
communication channels when upcoming extreme heat events are anticipated and will be made aware
of local initiatives to deal with the heat. Additionally, City staff who spend time working outdoors will be
alerted to hot working conditions.
A1.d Local Organization Directory
Maintain a directory of local organizations that provide support for vulnerable populations. This will
help ensure they are aware of local resources and contacts regarding high summertime temperatures.
Context
• According to the community survey, all the age groups use different methods to get their
information. Helping ensure that heatwave information is spread from a variety of sources will help
reach as many people and groups as possible.
Anticipated Impact
Local organizations that provide support for vulnerable populations will receive alerts about extreme
weather, thus ensuring that all local service organizations are aware and prepared.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 24
The strategies in section A2 seek to increase the accessibility of public cooling amenities throughout
Richmond. Some actions aim to serve specific vulnerable groups, whereas others can provide cooling
to the entire community.
A2.a Alternative Cooling
Promote existing opportunities for summertime indoor programming and collaborate with local
organizations and businesses to expand current indoor programming.
Context
• When asked about limitations to using public cooling spaces, survey respondents indicated that the
two largest barriers were being unaware of existing opportunities and the cost of accessing non-
public cooling spaces. By providing information about public spaces with free programming, we will
be able to eliminate these barriers.
Anticipated Impact
Community members will be made aware of existing community locations that provide programming
that simultaneously serve as a space that provides public cooling.
A2.b Improving Pool Access
Explore the possibility of lowering the cost, eliminating, or providing a set number of free day passes to
the Cordell Municipal pool to community members during heat waves.
Context
• Blue Infrastructure is called out in the C40 Cities “Urban Cooling Toolbox” as a beneficial action to
alleviate impacts associated with the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect.22
• 37% of survey respondents said public pools and splash pads would help them manage high
temperatures.
• Some municipalities have found that outdoor cooling spaces, such as pools and parks, are used
more often than indoor cooling centers.23
Anticipated Impact
Individuals with barriers to utilizing the Cordell Municipal public pool will be able to access this resource
more easily.
A2.c Cooling Centers
Connect with public and private organizations to identify spaces that are open for the public to use
during heatwaves. All cooling center locations will be made into a publicly available list that will cite
location addresses, hours, and any limitations.
2. Public Cooling
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 25
3. Vulnerable Population Support
Context
• According to the CDC, “Studies indicate that spending even a few hours in a cool environment,
or with a working air conditioner or cooling unit, reduces vulnerable populations’ risk to heat
exposure.”24
• The CDC guide “The Using of Cooling Centers to Prevent Heat-Related Illness” identifies religious
organizations, schools, community organizations, and nonprofits as potential key partners in
providing cooling centers.25
Anticipated Impact
Individuals that want to seek cooling outside of their residence will be able to do so quickly and with
ample information.
A2.d Cooling Center Transportation
Advocate for and explore opportunities to lower or eliminate Roseview Transit bus fees to and from
cooling centers during heat wave.
Context
• According to survey respondents, the second most common barrier to accessing cooling outside of
their residence is transportation.
• During extreme heat events, spending prolonged periods outside exerting physical effort, such as
walking to a cooling center, can exacerbate the public health impacts of heat.
Anticipated Impact
Individuals wanting to utilize the established Richmond cooling centers will be able to use public
transportation to get there. This will promote the use of the spaces and help eliminate the risk posed by
traveling to the centers during extreme heat.
Actions A3.a and A3.b focus on supporting individuals who are especially vulnerable to heat. These
strategies are intended to be implemented when temperature thresholds for the Wayne County NIXLE
Alert System are met.
A3.a Check-in Program
Establish a program that connects vulnerable residents with support through phone or in-person check-
in interactions.
Context
• AARP’s guide entitled “Help Someone Stay Cool During Extreme Heat” outlines the benefit of
checking in on individuals more susceptible to heat-related illness and death. In this guide, AARP
informs, “You can help prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by checking on people in your
community during periods of extreme heat.” 26
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 26
• Older adults are the largest defined group at risk for heat-related mortality. 27
Anticipated Impact
Vulnerable community members, potentially isolated from existing City communications, will be
supported during periods of extreme heat through connection with resources and the broader
community.
A3.b Cool Kits
Partner with local organizations to provide cooling supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness
throughout the summer. Supplies may include reusable water bottles, electrolyte tablets, sunscreen,
cooling towels, and sunglasses.
Context
• Recommendations from the CDC for how to keep cool in hot weather include, include drinking
ample amounts of water and continually reapplying sunscreen, among other action items. 28
Anticipated Impact
People experiencing homelessness in the community will be given valuable cooling materials and
supplies during periods of extreme heat.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 27
Table 3: Heat Wave Response Protocol Strategies
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 28
B. PUBLIC OUTREACH
1. Heat Preparedness Trainings
2. Heat Preparedness Campaign
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 29
B. PUBLIC OUTREACH
Overview
A critical component of preparing for an increase in extreme heat events is knowing what resources are
available locally, what to anticipate, and how to react when extreme heat is anticipated. For this reason,
it is important that the community have ample opportunity to be made aware of such information.
Through the following six public outreach strategies, the Richmond community will be continually
engaged both during the summer and beyond, getting health information from local professionals,
Richmond-specific resource information, and best practices for getting through the summer safely.
1. Heat Preparedness Training
Actions B1.a and B1.b outline two types of workshops that can be facilitated by Beat the Heat and
community partners to educate heat-vulnerable groups and the organizations that support them about
heat-related illnesses and heat preparedness. If preferred, these trainings can happen in conjunction
with one another.
B1.a Community Resource Training
Host trainings that provide information about community resources for coping with extreme heat to
local health professionals, nonprofit employees, and outreach workers.
Context
• Connecting with individuals that serve vulnerable populations is a beneficial way to reach those
populations because it allows information to come from individuals they trust.
• Some factors that affect an individual’s risk for a heat-related illness, such as a reduced ability to
sweat from certain medical conditions and prescription drugs, can be specific to each individual’s
health condition. These nuances are more easily communicated on an individual basis rather than
as part of a larger, public health campaign. 29
Anticipated Impact
Healthcare and social service providers receive beneficial information about the Beat the Heat program
and other local resources which they can share with their clients to help minimize their risk of heat-
related illness.
B1.b Community Health Training
Coordinate with local health professionals to provide trainings for community members about the signs
and symptoms associated with heat-related illness. A focus will be placed on training for individuals that
are the most vulnerable to extreme heat such as outdoor workers, older adults, and children.
Context
• New employees are the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses for outdoor workers as they are
acclimating to hot working conditions and learning about heat-preparedness.30
• “Heat-related illness in athletes can be prevented if coaches and athletes are properly educated
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 30
2. Heat Preparedness Campaign
In summer 2022, Beat the Heat will run a campaign to improve the community’s awareness about the
public health impacts of extreme heat and will provide guidance on how to be better prepared on hot
days and nights. In the following years, the strategies and resulting outreach materials can be used and
expanded upon to continue educating the community on this topic.
B2.a Extreme Weather Information Webpage
Create an accessible, centralized webpage where information about extreme heat can be found.
Information is anticipated to include a cooling center location map, home cooling assistance programs,
hazardous weather conditions anticipated in the coming days/weeks, and best tips for staying cool
inside/outside.
Context
• Providing a centralized location for accessing all heat preparedness information and materials will
help streamline and simplify information access.
Anticipated Impact
Community members are provided with a single, accessible web page that allows them to receive
information about weather preparedness. This webpage will streamline and centralize information
access.
B2.b Extreme Heat Toolkit
Create an Extreme Heat Toolkit to include boilerplate heat preparedness information in both English
and Spanish that local organizations and departments can share when extreme heat is anticipated.
Context
• The CDC highlights the importance that one “stay informed” as one of the three major ways to
prevent heat-related illness. This will make sure that people have easy access to this information.33
• The CDC, EPA, NWS, OSHA, and NIOSH have a combination of printable materials and social
media graphics that are available for local governments, employers, and organizations to share
with their communities.
Anticipated Impact
about heat safety.”31
• Heat-related health dangers for older adults heavily increase during the summer. Knowing which
health-related factors may increase risk could save a life.32
Anticipated Impact
Vulnerable population groups and individuals are able to learn from local health professionals about the
potential impacts of extreme heat and how to stay healthy during high heat events.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 31
Community organizations and departments are able to share informational materials about extreme
heat without the additional capacity burden of creating the materials.
B2.c. Heat Preparedness Materials
Create and distribute educational materials that relay the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness,
how to stay cool at home, information about public cooling, and other local resources. This information
will be distributed through social media, radio, TV, local news, and take-home materials.
Context
• Ready.gov cites that the first thing you can do when dealing with extreme heat is to prepare for it in
advance. Preparation can include learning about heat illness, preparing your home, and identifying
community resources. 34
Anticipated Impact
Community members are more educated on the health impacts of heat-related illness and the
preparedness strategies that can be taken to prevent it. Materials will be accessible in public spaces,
online, and in print materials.
B2.d Youth Engagement
Partner with local schools or youth organizations to engage young people about extreme heat and its
related impacts, and provide individuals with opportunities to implement heat reduction strategies.
Context
• The Richmond High School Green Club has expressed interest in participating in the Beat the Heat
program.
• In 2021 the Richmond City Council passed a youth climate resolution created by a youth climate
action team. This indicates that there are youth in the community who want to be working on
environmental initiatives.
Anticipated Impact
Young people in the community will have the opportunity to learn about extreme heat and its related
impacts and have the opportunity to implement heat reduction strategies.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 32
Table 4: Public Outreach Strategies
C. Home Cooling
1. Home Cooling Assistance
2. Informational Materials
3. Suspending Utility Shutoffs
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 34
C. HOME COOLING
1. Home Cooling Assistance
The strategies listed under this section, C1.a and C1.b, address the need for home cooling assistance for
Richmond’s most vulnerable residents during the summer. Strategy C1.a, Window Air Conditioning Unit
Program, would support individuals who do not presently have any air conditioning system. Strategy
C1.b proposes a payment assistance program that would aid individuals who presently have an air
conditioning system in their home, but face difficulties in paying their utility bills.
C1.a Window Air Conditioning Unit Program
Establish a program to distribute window air conditioning units to residents that need them most.
Units will be allocated to residents that are at a certain income level or live in the most heat-vulnerable
areas, as determined by the Heat Vulnerability Index. This program has the potential to build on existing
cooling assistance programs or be a partnership with existing service organizations.
Context
• According to the CDC, “...air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related
illness and death.” 35
• Electric fans are only useful indoors at temperatures below 95°F, utilizing a fan when temperatures
are above 95°F will not help reduce an individual’s chance of Heat-Related Illness. 36
Anticipated Impact
Home cooling will be more accessible to individuals that currently possess a barrier to obtaining it.
C1.b Utility Bill Assistance Program
Explore funding opportunities to establish a utility bill assistance program that will support lower-
income residents during the summer months. This program will build upon existing utility bill
assistance programs such as the Indiana Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the
Townsend Community Center assistance program.
Overview
According to the CDC, “...air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related ill-
ness and death.”38 Therefore, it is crucial that methods of providing air conditioning to vulnerable indi-
viduals are explored as an effective life-saving strategy. By aiding those that currently do not have home
air conditioning or face a barrier to using the existing cooling system in their residence, the City of Rich-
mond will be able to increase the community’s resilience to extreme heat. For individuals that already
have access to home air conditioning, providing beneficial information about how they can further cool
their residence through personal interventions will assist in the reduction of current energy bills and
ambient air temperatures. The following four strategies address ways to benefit those that currently
have cooling systems in their residences and those that do not.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 35
Context
• With imminent changes to Indiana’s climate, there is expected to be a change in “...the amount
of energy that Hoosiers will need to heat and cool their homes and businesses,” according to the
Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment. This means that Indiana residents can expect to pay
more money on their utility bills in future years. 37
• Presently, the Indiana LIHEAP provides energy assistance funds during the winter months but
typically does not extend the program into the summer.
• 1 in 3 survey respondents faces a barrier to using their current home cooling system, and 88% of
those individuals cited the cost of bills as the reason why.
Anticipated Impact
Home cooling will be more accessible to individuals with the infrastructure in place for home cooling,
but possess a financial barrier to use it during the summer months.
2. Informational Materials
Action C1.a is to provide information about home cooling strategies to residents and property owners
who are burdened by the financial barriers of using their home cooling system on hot days and nights.
By employing the energy efficiency and weatherization strategies in these materials, people will also
contribute to reducing air temperatures.
C2.a Informational One-Pagers
Develop materials with information about energy efficiency, weatherization, cool roof materials, home
cooling strategies, and existing local resources.
Context
• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weatherization improvements save households an
average of $283 or more every year. 39
• Cool roofs can reduce energy costs by almost 50 cents per square foot. 40
• Energy efficiency has a multitude of benefits including environmental, economic, system longevity,
and risk management. 41
Anticipated Impact
Community members and property owners will become more informed on ways to stay cool at home
and improve their home’s resiliency to extreme heat.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 36
3. Suspending Utility Shutoffs
Strategy C3.a aims to establish a temperature threshold at which Richmond’s municipal energy supply
will suspend utility shutoffs. This will aid in reducing instances of heat-related illness at home and help
affirm support for both winter and summer weather hazard prevention measures.
C3.a Utility Shutoff Suspensions
Pursue opportunities to work with RP&L to establish a temperature threshold at which they will suspend
utility shutoffs in the summer.
Context
• Over the course of the 20th century, preliminary evidence suggests that air conditioning was a
central determinant in a 75% decline in extreme heat-related mortality.42
• Presently, Richmond Power & Light has a threshold at which they suspend utility shutoffs in the
winter. While suspensions are considered in the summer, there is not an established threshold at
which a suspension will occur.
Anticipated Impact
Community members that are unable to pay their bills during the summer months will be spared from
utility shutoffs when temperatures hit a specific threshold.
Table 5: Home Cooling Strategies
D. CLIMATE RESPONSIVE
DESIGN
1. Residential Canopy Improvements
2. Sustainable Development
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 38
D. CLIMATE RESPONSIVE DESIGN
Overview
The aforementioned strategies primarily address extreme heat adaptation, whereas the following
four strategies focus on the mitigation of extreme heat. The benefits of mitigation through climate
responsive design are multi-faceted and multi-sectoral, not only benefiting ambient air temperatures,
but also reducing exposure to harmful substances, providing recreation opportunities, increasing
exposure to the natural environment, improving safety, and so much more.43 Addressing extreme heat
through both an adaptive and mitigative lens ensures that strategies outlined in this plan work to both
alleviate the burden of extreme heat presently and in the long term.
COOLING STRATEGIES AND THEIR CO-BENEFITS
Trees contribute to lower air
temperatures by releasing water vapor
into air, and providing shade for nearby
people and buildings.
Co-Benefits
Shade structures, seating, and water
fountains are examples of cooling
amenities that lessen the physical stress
felt by people on hot days.
Co-Benefits
COOLING
AMENITIES
COOL
ROOFS
PERMEABLE
PAVEMENT
Cool roofs reflect more heat from the sun
than the typical rooftop, which lowers air
temperatures and reduces home cooling
needs.
Co-Benefits
Public pools and splash pads provide
families with places to play and cool
down on hot summer days.
Co-Benefits
Through conserving energy, improving
energy efficiency, and weatherizing
buildings, communities have a wide
range of options when reducing energy
use.
Co-Benefits
WATER
FEATURES
Lowers Ambient Air
Temperatures
Reduces Heat Stress
Lowers Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Improves Public Spaces
Improves Water Quality
Improves Air Quality
Lowers Energy Costs
COOL
PAVEMENT
TREES
AND
GREEN
SPACE
REDUCING
ENERGY
USE
Cool pavements and coatings are more
reflective than traditional asphalt and
concrete surfaces, allowing them to
lower air temperatures.
Co-Benefits
Permeable asphalt, concrete, and pavers
allow water to pass through hardscaped
areas to the soil below, which provides
cooling benefits and improves local
water quality.
Co-Benefits
Figure 9: Cooling Strategies and Their Co-Benefits
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 39
1. Residential Tree Canopy Improvements
Improving the tree canopy in Richmond will help to make outdoor areas cooler and will also help to
lower energy usage and costs in nearby homes. Actions D1.a and D1.b offer two avenues to increase the
city’s tree canopy. Strategy D1.a will help increase the current planting capacity of the City, to allow for
more trees to be planted in the tree lawns of heat-vulnerable areas. The tree giveaway program outlined
in strategy D1.b will help support residents that are trying to increase the tree canopy on their private
properties.
D1.a Tree Tenders
Establish a program for community volunteers to plant and maintain specific trees in the city to
accommodate the increased capacity of additional trees. This program will be a collaborative effort
between the City’s Infrastructure and Development Department, the Parks Department, and the
Richmond Street Tree Commission. The location where trees will be planted is based on the Heat
Vulnerability Index.
Context
• “In urban settings, tree canopy reduces local temperatures through both shading and
evapotranspiration. While shading results in a direct cooling of surface temperatures,
evapotranspiration can reduce local ambient temperatures, not in the direct shade of the tree.”44
• According to the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department Arborist, additional tree plantings
would be difficult without increased capacity.
• A tree such as the Northern Catalpa, commonly found in Glen Miller Park, is capable of intercepting
6,398 gallons of stormwater runoff each year, in turn saving $40.00 a year and over $1,000
throughout its lifetime.45
Anticipated Impact
The capacity to plant and maintain trees within the city will be increased. Because of this,
neighborhoods with the highest heat vulnerability will have increased tree plantings, thus helping lower
temperatures.
D1.b Tree Giveaway
Host a giveaway program to provide residential property owners with trees and information about
how to care for them. The giveaway could involve a volunteer planting effort to help increase resident
knowledge of how to successfully and efficiently plant trees.
Context
• Trees can lower air temperatures in city neighborhoods by up to 10 degrees.46
• 67% of survey respondents indicated that they would favor an increase in tree planting.
Anticipated Impact
Property owners will receive support in increasing the tree canopy on their properties. This will lower
ambient air temperatures, provide shade, and reduce CO₂ and stormwater runoff.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 40
2. Sustainable Development
In the public and private sectors, architectural and urban design strategies can contribute to lower
air temperatures, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and more comfortable outdoor spaces, while
strengthening Richmond’s resilience against climate change. These benefits are integral to mitigating
extreme heat as they can have long-term, lasting impacts. To support this need, strategy D2.a proposes
the creation of development guidelines that can help guide future private sector developments towards
greater sustainability, and Action D2.b encourages and offers a series of public design projects that can
be carried out by the City in future developments and redevelopments.
D2.a Private Development Guidelines
Create a program to encourage the incorporation of environmentally sustainable design elements in
private developments and redevelopments. Environmentally sustainable design elements can include
cool surfaces, greenspace, cooling amenities, and other features that increase Richmond’s overall
sustainability. Potential strategy options include design standards, guidelines, or incentives for new
developments and substantial remodels of existing development.
Context
• The benefits of environmentally sustainable design are multifaceted and cross-sectoral.
• “The Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Heat Mitigation and Emissions Reductions in Cities,” cites
that “Beyond its well-established benefits for moderating urban temperatures, green infrastructure
has been demonstrated to yield a range of additional ecological and human health-related benefits.
Most extensively documented are the benefits of urban vegetation for lessening the volume of
stormwater runoff and enhancing urban water quality.”47
• The Richmond Rising plan has goals that “Street trees and wide sidewalks with benches and
landscaping will provide areas that are comfortable at all times of the day. Architectural features and
site design will be such that [sic] provide a sense of style within the new development, creating a
fresh and exciting environment that sets itself apart from surrounding communities, and provides a
one-of-a-kind experience within the heart of Richmond.”
Anticipated Impact
Private developments in Richmond will be more resilient to climate change and will contribute to the
overall sustainability of the city.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 41
D2.b Public Design Projects
Explore the potential of public space and infrastructure
improvements that will lessen the heat island effect
in Richmond and provide cooling amenities to the
community. Projects will be in locations that the Heat
Vulnerability Index and the Heat Maps deem necessary
and beneficial. Potential projects could include bus
stop upgrades, tree plantings, permeable pavements,
and the incorporation of green infrastructure into
future developments.
Context
• “Trees and vegetation are most useful as a
mitigation strategy when planted in strategic
locations around buildings or to shade pavement in
parking lots and on streets.”48
• 53% of community survey respondents indicated
that they wanted to see an increase in gardens and
greenspace to help bring down temperatures.
• Improved water accessibility was mentioned in
nearly every focus group.
• In addition to reducing stormwater runoff and
cooling surface temperatures, “...permeable
pavements can help filter out pollutants that
contribute to water pollution.”49
Anticipated Impact
The City will consider providing cooling amenities
during future development or redevelopment which
will decrease instances of heat-related illness and
improve the city’s climate resilience.
Figure 10: A Green Infrastructure Bioswale in
Downtown
Figure 11: Shade Sails in Jack Elstro Plaza
Figure 12: A Bus Stop Shelter and Bike Rack on East
Main Street
Cooling Amenities Already
Present in Richmond to
Expand on
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 42
Table 6: Climate Responsive Design Strategies
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 43
IMPLEMENTATION AND NEXT STEPS
As a part of the Beat the Heat program, some of the strategies in this plan began implemention in
the Summer of 2022, whereas others are intended to be addressed at a later date. The main focus
of the Beat the Heat program in 2022 was on the Heat Wave Response Protocol and Public Outreach
Strategies. Richmond developed a separate continuity plan document to help continue these strat-
egies and identify possible interventions for strategies not yet addressed. Table 7 calls out strategies
already addressed in 2022 and identifies a possible timeline for the remaining strategies.
Table 7: Anticipated Strategy Timelines
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 44
Summer 2022 Implementation
In summer 2022, Beat the Heat prioritized actions that engage the public over extreme heat-
health risks and awareness. This was done through broader population engagement and targeted
engagement with Richmond’s most vulnerable residents. Given the seasonality of this issue, it was
important for educational materials and heat alert promotions to take place when the summer heat
is at its most relevant to the community. The majority of strategies implemented in the summer
of 2022 relied on Beat the Heat program funds or external grant funding. All of the strategies listed
below are intended to be continued past the timeline of Beat the Heat. The steps taken towards
these strategies intended to get them prepared to run in the long-term or were to test out the
possibility of the strategies running after the program has ended.
Strategies Addressed in 2022
Heat Wave Alerts and Heat Alert Promotion
During the Summer of 2022, subsciption to the NIXLE weather alert system was encouraged for
Richmond Residents. Summer 2022 produced an increase in subscriptions.
Local Organization Directory
A local organization directory was created in the Fall of 2022 and will serve as a resource when
implementing various strategies in the future.
Cooling Centers
Five cooling centers were promoted during Summer 2022. Cooling center locations were accessible
via the City website, social media posts, and an online map that allowed users to get directions to
each location.
Check-in program
A virtual pilot check-in program was launched in the Summer of 2022. Minimal interest in the
program from residents suggested that a virtual program is not the most desirable form of check-in
program.
Cool Kits
50 Cool Kits were distributed in August 2022. Cool kits contained sunscreen, reusable water bottles,
cooling towels, aloe vera gel, sunglasses, and electrolyte tablets. Kits were distributed through local
non-profits and outreach workers.
Community Health Training
A community health training was available to residents in August at the Morrisson-Reeves Library.
The training addressed how to stay safe during the summer and best practices to cool down during
high temperatures.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 45
Extreme Heat Toolkit
In collaboration with the Town of Clarksville, the City of Richmond created a Heat Preparedness
Toolkit that contains heat preparedness resources from federal agencies as well as customizable
social media graphics. The toolkit has been made available to any Indiana municipalities that want
to utilize the resources.
Heat Preparedness Materials
The City of Richmond hosted a “Beat the Heat” week on their social media pages in July. The week
highlighted how to stay safe in the summer, what populations have increased heat vulnerability,
local resources, and how residents can lower temperatures through personal action.
Suspending Utility Shutoffs
RP&L’s first summer suspending utility shutoffs during periods of high heat was in 2022. RP&L’s
current policy is that utility shutoffs will be suspended when the service area experiences an
excessive heat warning.
Tree Tenders
In partnership with the Parks Department, The Street Tree Commission, and The Department of
Infrastructure and Development, Beat the Heat created the City of Richmond Tree Tenders Program.
The program aims to build the planting capacity for street trees within the City. In the fall of 2022,
the program planted 45 trees in three of the most heat vulnerable neighborhoods in the City. The
program was made possible thanks to Indiana American Water’s Environmental Grant, and is
intended to grow in coming years.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 46
Appendix A: Actions Table
$ = $1 to $999 $$ = $1000 to $9,999 $$$= $10,000 to $99,999
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 47
$ = $1 to $999 $$ = $1000 to $9,999 $$$= $10,000 to $99,999
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 48
$ = $1 to $999 $$ = $1000 to $9,999 $$$= $10,000 to $99,999
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 49
Appendix B: Glossary
Ambient Air Temperature “the overall temperature of the outdoor air. It does not take into account the
relative humidity of air (as apparent temperature does) or wind conditions”50
Adaptation “adapting to life in a changing climate – involves adjusting to actual or expected future climate
Blue Infrastructure refers to urban infrastructure elements that contain water”51
Climate Change “a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s
local, regional and global climates”52
Cooling Center public, air-conditoined spaces in one’s community where individuals are able to cool down
during periods of high heat
Cooling Amenities public infrastructure elements that provide relief from the heat (e.g. shade, shelter,
water)
Design Standards “a set of design criteria established by a municipality that either encourage or require
developments to include certain design elements. Design guidelines are flexible, qualitative measures of
design attributes”53
Design Guidelines “a set of design criteria established by a municipality that require developments to
include certain design elements. Design standards are fixed, quantitative measures of design attributes”54
Excessive Heat Watch “are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24
to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heatwave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still
uncertain”55
Excessive Heat Warning “is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.
The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be
105° or higher for at least 2 days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these
criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don’t take
precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.”56
Extreme Heat “is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.
Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular
location at that time of year.”57
Green Infrastructure “the array of man-made practices that use or mimic natural systems to manage and
control urban stormwater runoff such as bioswales, rain gardens, and green roofs. Water is either directed to
engineered systems for infiltration or detained at a slower rate before it enters the combined sewer system.
In addition to water quality benefits, green infrastructure also produces a host of co-benefits including
beautification and heat mitigation.”58
Greenhouse Gases “gases that trap heat in the atmosphere”59
Heat Advisory “is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The
general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be
100° or higher for at least 2 days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these
criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions. Take
precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don’t take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.”60
Heat Exposure being subjected to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time, either indoors or
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 50
outdoors. Heat Exposure can result in heat-related illness
Heat-Related Illness includes heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rashes and occurs as a
result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Heat Vulnerability the likelihood that an individual will be physically impacted by hot weather
Heatwave “a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days”61
Mitigation “reducing climate change – involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases (for example, the burning of fossil fuels for
electricity, heat or transport) or enhancing the “sinks” that accumulate and store these gases (such as the
oceans, forests and soil).”62
Urban Heat Island Effect the increase in temperatures in urban and developed areas compared to nearby
rural/suburban areas due to the absorption and re-emission of heat by built infrastructure.
Vulnerable Populations individuals whose vulnerability is enhanced by sociodemographic factors
Weatherization protecting a structure from the elements (e.g. wind, precipitation, low and high
temperatures) through modifications or additions and reducing energy consumption by optimizing energy
efficiency.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 51
Appendix C: References
1. Erdman, Jonathan. “America’s No. 1 Weather Killer Is Not Tornadoes, Flooding, Lightning or Hurricanes:
The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel.” The Weather Channel, June 3, 2021. https://
weather.com/safety/heat/news/2021-06-03-heat-america-fatalities.
2. American Public Health Association, and Center for Disease Control. “Extreme Heat Can Impact Our
Health in Many Ways.” Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-fi-
nal_508.pdf.
3. DeVilbiss, Jonathan, and Mark Morey. “June Heat Wave in the Northwest United States Resulted in More
Demand for Electricity.” Homepage - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), July 21, 2021. https://
www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=48796.
4. Angel, J., C. Swanston, B.M. Boustead, K.C. Conlon, K.R. Hall, J.L. Jorns, K.E. Kunkel, M.C. Lemos, B. Lof-
gren, T.A. Ontl, J. Posey, K. Stone, G. Takle, and D. Todey, 2018: Midwest. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in
the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easter-
ling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program,
Washington, DC, USA, pp. 872–940. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018.CH21
5. “Ground-Level Ozone Basics.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed May 24, 2022. https://
www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution/ground-level-ozone-basics.
6. “Heat Waves and Climate Change.” Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, February 22, 2022. https://
www.c2es.org/content/heat-waves-and-climate-change/.
7. “Heat Island Impacts.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.epa.
gov/heatislands/heat-island-impacts#health.
8.Mattheís, Franzíska, Graham Bíckler, Neus Cardeñosa Marín, and Símon Hales, eds. “Heat-Health Action
Plans.” World Health Organization Europe. Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/
pdf_file/0006/95919/E91347.pdf.
9. EPA, “Heat Island Impacts.”
10. “Heat and People with Chronic Medical Conditions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, June 19, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/medical.
html.
11. Center for Disease Control, and Environmental Protection Agency. “Climate Change and Extreme Heat:
What You Can Do to Prepare.” Extreme Heat Guidebook, October 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/climateand-
health/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf.
12. “Heat Island Impacts,” EPA.
13. Hoffman, Jeremy S., Vivek Shandas, and Nicholas Pendleton. 2020. “The Effects of Historical Housing Pol-
icies on Resident Exposure to Intra-Urban Heat: A Study of 108 US Urban Areas” Climate 8, no. 1: 12. https://
doi.org/10.3390/cli8010012
14. Konkel, Lindsey. “Taking the Heat: Potential Fetal Health Effects of Hot Temperatures.” Environmental
Health Perspectives 127, no. 10 (2019): 102002. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp6221.
15. Lindsey, Rebecca, and LuAnn Dahlman. “Climate Change: Global Temperature.” Climate Change: Global
Temperature | NOAA Climate.gov, March 15, 2021. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understand-
ing-climate/climate-change-global-temperature.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 52
16.“Evaluate Your Risks and Learn How to Prepare.” Hoosier Resilience Index. Indiana University
Environmental Resilience Index. Accessed May 24, 2022. https://hri.eri.iu.edu/.
17. “Learn About Heat Islands.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed May 24, 2022. https://www.
epa.gov/heatislands/learn-about-heat-islands.
18. Hammer, Jason, Dominique G. Ruggieri, Chad Thomas, and Jessica Caum. “Local extreme heat planning:
an interactive tool to examine a heat vulnerability index for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.” Journal of Urban
Health 97, no. 4 (2020): 519-528.
19. Manson, S., Schroeder, J., Van Riper, D., Kulger, T. & Ruggles, S. (2021) IPUMS National Historical Geo-
graphic Information System: Version 16.0 [American Community Survey 2015-2019]. IPUMS. http://doi.
org/10.18128/D050.V16.0
20. “Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, April 2021. https://
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-waves#:~:text=Data%20%7C%20
Technical%20Documentation-,Key%20Points,2010s%20(see%20Figure%201).
21. Toloo, Ghasem Sam, Gerard FitzGerald, Peter Aitken, Kenneth Verrall, and Shilu Tong. “Are heat warning
systems effective?.” Environmental health 12, no. 1 (2013): 1-4.
22. “Urban Cooling Toolbox.” Salesforce. C40 Cities, January 28, 2021. https://c40.my.salesforce.com/sfc/
p/#36000001Enhz/a/1Q000000gSgz/JB7m_GoT_hdVZC64KxK_COtx6ljGry6aNjtCPavce14.
23. Widerynski, Stasia, Paul Schramm, Kathryn Conlon, Rebecca Noe, Elena Grossman, Michelle Hawkins,
Seema Nayak, Matthew Roach, and Asante Shipp Hilts. “The Use of Cooling Centers to Prevent Heat-Related
Illness: Summary of Evidence and Strategies for Implementation.” Center for Disease Control. Accessed May
23, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/docs/UseOfCoolingCenters.pdf.
24. Widerynski et al., “Use of Cooling Centers,” 1-32.
25. Widerynski et al., “Use of Cooling Centers,” 1-32.
26. “Help Someone Stay Cool During Extreme Heat: Tips, Tools and Resources for Individuals.” AARP.
Accessed May 23, 2022. https://createthegood.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ctg/pdf/guides/stay-cool.pdf.
27. Mattheis et al., “Heat-Health Action Plans,” 1-45.
28. “Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather!” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, July 19, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/extremeheat/index.html.
29. “Heat and Older Adults.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, June 19, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html.
30.“Heat.” Heat - Protecting New Workers | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. United States
Department of Labor. Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/protecting-new-workers.
31. CDC, “Heat and Athletes.”
32. “Heat-Related Health Dangers for Older Adults Soar during the Summer.” National Institutes of Health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, June 27, 2018. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-
releases/heat-related-health-dangers-older-adults-soar-during-summer.
33. “Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, June 19, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html.
34. “Extreme Heat.” Extreme Heat | Ready.gov, August 11, 2021. https://www.ready.gov/heat.
35. CDC, “Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather.”
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 53
36. Center for Disease Control, and Environmental Protection Agency. “Climate Change and Extreme
Heat: What You Can Do to Prepare.” Extreme Heat Guidebook, October 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/
climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf.
37. Widhalm, M., Hamlet, A. Byun, K., Robeson, S., Baldwin, M., Staten, P., Chiu, C., Coleman, J., Hall, B.,
Hoogewind, K., Huber, M., Kieu, C., Yoo, J., Dukes, J.S. 2018. Indiana’s Past & Future Climate: A Report
from the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment. Purdue Climate Change Research Center, Purdue
University. West Lafayette, Indiana. DOI:10.5703/1288284316634
38. CDC, “Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather.”
39. “Weatherization Works!” U.S. Department of Energy , February 2018. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/
files/2018/03/f49/WAP-fact-sheet_final.pdf.
40. “Using Cool Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed May 24,
2022. https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-cool-roofs-reduce-heat-islands#:~:text=Reduced%20ener-
gy%20use%3A%20A%20cool,pollution%20and%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions.
41. “Local Energy Efficiency Benefits and Opportunities .” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed
May 24, 2022. https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-energy-efficiency-benefits-and-opportunities.
42. Barreca, Alan, Karen Clay, Olivier Deschenes, Michael Greenstone, and Joseph S. Shapiro. “Adapting to
climate change: The remarkable decline in the US temperature-mortality relationship over the twentieth
century.” Journal of Political Economy 124, no. 1 (2016): 105-159.
43. “Healthy Benefits of Green Infrastructure in Communities.” Science in Action. Environmental Protection
Agency . Accessed May 24, 2022. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-11/documents/greeninfra-
structure_healthy_communities_factsheet.pdf.
44. “The Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Heat Mitigation and Emissions Reductions in Cities.” The Trust
for Public Land. Accessed May 24, 2022. https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/Benefits%20of%20GI%20
for%20heat%20mitigation%20and%20emissions%20reductions%20in%20cities.pdf.
45. National Tree Benefit Calculator. Casey Trees & Davey tree Expert Co. . Accessed May 24, 2022.
http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/.
46. Ziter, Carly D., Eric J. Pedersen, Christopher J. Kucharik, and Monica G. Turner. “Scale-dependent inter-
actions between tree canopy cover and impervious surfaces reduce daytime urban heat during summer.”
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 116, no. 15 (2019): 7575-7580.
47. The Trust for Public Land, “The benefits of green infrastructure.”
48. “Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Island.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed
May 24, 2022. https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands#1.
49. The Trust for Public Land, “The benefits of green infrastructure.”
50. “Cool Neighborhoods NYC .” New York City Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency . Accessed May 24,
2022. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/orr/pdf/Cool_Neighborhoods_NYC_Report.pdf.
51. “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.” NASA. NASA, August 23, 2021. https://climate.nasa.gov/
solutions/adaptation-mitigation/.
52. “Overview: Weather, Global Warming and Climate Change.” Global Climate Change. NASA, April 14, 2022.
https://climate.nasa.gov/resources/global-warming-vs-climate-change/.
53. Morris, Marya, and Mark Hinshaw. “Design Review: Guiding Better Development.” American Planning
Association, July 1, 2018. https://www.planning.org/publications/report/9154841/.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 54
54. Morris and Hinshaw, “Design Review: Guiding Better Development.”
55. “Heat Watch vs. Warning.” National Weather Service. NOAA’s National Weather Service, March 2, 2020.
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-ww.
56. National Weather Service, “Heat Watch vs. Warning.”
57. “About Extreme Heat.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
vention, June 19, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.html
58. New York Mayor’s Office, “Cool Neighborhoods NYC.”
59. “Overview of Greenhouse Gases.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed May 24, 2022. https://
www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases.
60. National Weather Service, “Heat Watch vs. Warning.”
61. “During a Heat Wave.” National Weather Service. NOAA’s National Weather Service, April 26, 2021. https://
www.weather.gov/safety/heat-during.
62. “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.” NASA. NASA, August 23, 2021. https://climate.nasa.gov/
solutions/adaptation-mitigation/.
Heat Management Plan | City of Richmond 55