It is important that county and municipal officials work closely with their local Emergency Management office, National Weather Service office, local news media, community service organizations, and private consultants to develop a heat emergency plan.

Before the Heat Wave -- Have a plan:

• Disseminate heat information to citizens and community groups ensuring that the message is aimed primarily for the elderly.
• Work with the local Emergency Management, National Weather Service, private meteorologists, local media, and community groups to provide a consistent message on the dangers of heat, precautions, treatment and emergency management.
• Have a "Heat Awareness Week" early in the warm season to keep citizens aware of the heat dangers and provide information on city services available.

During the Heat Wave --  Keeping Your Cool:

• Open cooling centers in public buildings such as schools, park district field houses or recreation centers.
• Provide free bus or taxi transportation to cooling centers.
• Work with the local Emergency Management, National Weather Service and private meteorologists to give the public a simple, unified heat warning message through the media.
• Use nursing homes, Department on Aging, and informal support networks such as churches, block clubs, and ethnic organizations to reach senior citizens.
• Install low pressure, shower/sprinkler caps on fire hydrants.
• Monitor hospitals for heat related morbidity and mortality.