Heat Wave Emergency Protocol — El Niño Extreme Heat Response
Heat Wave Emergency Protocol
Understanding the Threat
Wet-Bulb Temperature (WBT) combines heat + humidity. When WBT reaches 31-35°C with 90%+ humidity, the human body literally cannot cool itself through sweating.
| WBT Level | Risk Level | Building Response |
|---|---|---|
| 26-28°C | Warning | Pool hours reduced, outdoor workers reduce hours |
| 29-31°C | Danger | Vulnerable resident check-ins, common areas AC priority |
| 31-33°C | Severe | Cooling center activated, outdoor work suspended |
| 34°C+ | Critical | Building-wide emergency response |
Heat Emergency Levels
Level 1: Heat Warning (WBT 28-30°C)
- MO issues WhatsApp alert to all residents
- Pool hours may be restricted (safety concern)
- Outdoor workers reduce hours during peak heat (11AM-3PM)
- Residents advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity
Level 2: Heat Danger (WBT 31-33°C)
- MO activates vulnerable resident check-ins
- Common areas maintain AC, check backup systems
- Pool closes if water temperature exceeds safe levels
- Residents advised: minimize outdoor activity, check on elderly neighbors
Level 3: Heat Emergency (WBT 33°C+)
- Establish building-wide cooling center (lobby, community hall)
- MO prioritizes AC for vulnerable residents
- All outdoor work suspended
- Emergency contacts activated for medical needs
- Security conducts building-wide welfare checks
Vulnerable Resident Registry
Residents can opt-in to priority check-ins during heat events:
- Elderly living alone
- Residents with heart/lung conditions
- Those with medical appointments
- Residents with power-sensitive medical equipment
Privacy note: Opt-in only, data not shared with management office, used solely for emergency welfare checks.
Building System Protocols
Cooling Systems
- Pre-emptive: Schedule maintenance before peak season
- During: Monitor common area cooling loads
- Emergency: If main AC fails, prioritize cooling for vulnerable residents
Power Systems
- Monitor: Track transformer load during peak hours
- Surge Protection: Verify surge protectors at distribution panels
- Backup: Ensure backup genset powers essential cooling systems
Resident Action Guide
If you feel heat-related illness:
- Move to a cool, air-conditioned space
- Drink cool water slowly
- Cool your body with wet towels or a fan
- If symptoms worsen: call emergency services 999
Preventative measures:
- Stay hydrated (2-3L water daily during heat)
- Limit outdoor activity during peak heat (11AM-4PM)
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors
- Keep AC set to 24-26°C (efficient cooling)