CNN —Extreme heat is far deadlier than other natural disasters, killing on average more than twice as many people each year as hurricanes and tornadoes combined, according to data tracked by the National Weather Service.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego recently told Biden the city’s extreme heat is a “long-term emergency.” But it can’t get FEMA federal assistance unless Congress amends the Stafford Act – something some Western lawmakers are pushing for.
“Just because we don’t necessarily have the authorities right now in the Stafford Act, that doesn’t mean we’re sitting idly by,” Criswell said.
“Right now, FEMA doesn’t treat extreme heat in the same way as it does other disasters because it can’t,” Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, told CNN.
“Adding it to that official list from Congress would clarify FEMA’s role in addressing heat,” Keith said.
Persons:
Joe Biden, Kate Gallego, Biden, Ladd Keith, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, ” Juanita Constible, Gallego, Stafford, “, ” Gallego, –, Ruben Gallego, hasn’t, ” Keith, Keith, Constible, ” Constible, there’s, ”
Organizations:
CNN, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Phoenix, University of Arizona, “, Washington Post, Natural Resources Defense Council, Democratic Rep, Rep, Department of Labor
Locations:
Stafford, Chicago, Pacific, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Arizona, Maricopa County, Phoenix, San Antonio