JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The hot temperatures being felt across the First Coast is highlighting the importance of heat safety.
According to the new Heat and Health Index (HHI) just launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are five ZIP codes in Duval County considered most vulnerable to the heat. Those ZIP codes are 32209, 32206, 32202, 32254 and 32208.
The people living in these ZIP codes are more likely to feel the impacts of heat on their health. The HHI takes into account the prevalence of pre-existing health conditions, which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, sociodemographic characteristics and infrastructure.
Adam Rosenblatt is a biology professor at the University of North Florida and was part of a 2022 Urban Heat Study conducted by UNF, the City of Jacksonville and NOAA. Rosenblatt said studying the impacts of heat on health is important to the overall well-being of a community.
"Heat is actually the number one weather-related cause of death. We tend not to think about it because it's kind of a silent killer, right? It's not a dramatic thing that happens. It's just that the heat builds up over time. And so people need to be aware of when it's really hot, and how to protect themselves," Rosenblatt explained.
Rosenblatt said their research found there is a 20-degree Fahrenheit difference across the city. He said that mainly has to do with infrastructure. Some communities have more buildings and concrete, while others have more trees and green spaces.
Lisa Grubba is the Executive Director of Greenscape, a tree advocacy nonprofit that works to plant more trees throughout Northeast Florida.
"The shade provided by a tree canopy can make the area 10 to 30 degrees cooler than an area with no shade," Grubba said.
Grubba added they have been prioritizing communities on the Northside. They are planting trees in parks, along sidewalks and around schools. She believes this will ultimately lead to saving lives.
"We're aware, there are people out here that are aware that you're going to need some help with the extreme heat, and we are doing everything we can. We care,” Grubba explained.