Citation

Christenson M, Geiger SD, Phillips J, Anderson B, Losurdo G, Anderson HA. J. Public Health Manag. Pract. 2016; 23(4): 396-403.

Affiliation

Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison (Ms Christenson, Messrs Phillips and B. Anderson, and Dr H. A. Anderson); and School of Nursing and Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb (Dr Geiger and Ms Losurdo).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PHH.0000000000000352

PMID

26910864

Abstract

CONTEXT: Extreme heat waves elevate the population's risk for heat-related morbidity and mortality, specifically for vulnerable groups such as older adults and young children. In this context, we developed 2 Heat Vulnerability Indices (HVIs), one for the state of Wisconsin and one for the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

OBJECTIVE: Through the creation of an HVI, state and local agencies will be able to use the indices as a planning tool for extreme heat events.

DESIGN: Data used for the HVIs were grouped into 4 categories: (1) population density; (2) health factors; (3) demographic and socioeconomic factors; and (4) natural and built environment factors. These categories were mapped at the Census block group level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Unweighted z-score data were used to determine index scores, which were then mapped by quantiles ranging from "high" to "low" vulnerability.

RESULTS: Statewide, Menominee County exhibited the highest vulnerability to extreme heat. Milwaukee HVI findings indicated high vulnerability in the city's inner core versus low vulnerability along the lakeshore.

CONCLUSION: Visualization of vulnerability could help local public health agencies prepare for future extreme heat events.

Language: en