Grant Helps Reduce Impact of Extreme Heat

Efforts to keep Raleigh residents safe during extreme heat just got a $25,000 boost. A Duke Energy Foundation grant will help Raleigh and its partners better understand the risks posed by heat. It will also help them identify solutions to reduce heat's impact on residents.

More erratic weather is creating challenges across the Southeastern United States. Prolonged heat waves, heavier rains, and intensified hurricanes are a few examples. In addition, rapid population growth is accelerating development.

In 2024, Raleigh had 10 days where the temperature was at least 100 degrees. Extreme heat can endanger residents' health, increase demand for energy, and cause droughts.

Innovative planning can help address the public health and safety impacts of extreme heat. The Helping Emergency Response Organizations grant will enable Raleigh and its partners to:

• Understand the risks posed by extreme heat to residents;
• Develop a coordinated response to extreme heat;
• Lay the groundwork for developing an official heat action plan for Raleigh; and,
• Develop education and outreach materials to prepare residents for dealing with heat and safety risks.

Next steps

The grant will allow the City and our partners to continue implementing strategies of the Community Climate Action Plan. It provides holistic solutions to increase community resilience.

The City's Office of Sustainability is leading these efforts with key departments and community organizations. The City will host a heat tabletop exercise in spring 2026. Participants will navigate through an emergency scenario to assess heat preparedness and response strategies.

The City Council on Sept. 16 authorized staff to execute all required grant documentation; and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $25,000.