Heat Ready CA is a multiethnic public awareness and community engagement campaign that proactively reaches communities most vulnerable to extreme heat events.
OCPSC leverages the expertise of state agency partners to provide Californians with vital information and resources to prepare for and stay safer during extreme heat events.
OCPSC collaborates and coordinates across state agencies to provide Californians with the information and resources they need to avoid the dangers of extreme heat. OCPSC is launching rapid response campaigns leading up to and during extreme heat events in order to quickly activate resources needed to help keep Californians, their families, and their communities safe.
Challenge
California is becoming hot and drier. Extreme heat is becoming more frequent, severe, and longer-lasting. Recently, the West Coast broke nearly 1,000 temperature records during a 10-day heat wave.
Rising temps mean rising risks. More than 1,000 people in the US are killed by extreme heat every year – more than any other weather hazard. Yet heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Californians need to learn about the dangers of extreme heat events, how to be safe during them, and what resources are available to help.
Our Approach
Through integrated outreach, advertising, social media and influencer engagement, the campaign is meeting people where they are through a culturally responsive approach. Heat Ready CA engages trusted messengers – including more than 120 community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, ethnic media, and other partners statewide – to reach the most vulnerable communities in every California county in more than 30 languages.
Messaging focuses on:
- Bringing awareness to the dangers of extreme heat by helping people assess their risk.
- Helping Californians prepare for extreme heat with tips and resources.
- Activating residents during extreme heat events to help keep themselves and others safe.
Building on California’s Extreme Heat Action Plan, OCPSC is applying best practices from recent successful public awareness campaigns, including the 2020 Census and Vaccinate All 58.