Hotter days spark an improved ‘heat plan’ for Orange County

A day after the National Weather Service placed all of Central Florida under a daytime heat advisory, Orange County on Tuesday unveiled a new “heat plan” that will offer free bus rides to air-conditioned public spaces.

Public Safety Director Danny Banks said the plan will activate when heat warnings are issued by the weather service.

The plan is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable citizens from blistering summer heat although Banks said no one will be turned away from more than two dozen air-conditioned venues.

Among the cooling locations are all 16 county libraries, 13 recreation centers and seven community centers, which combined can accommodate more than 1,600 people. Community fliers show the recreation centers are “pet friendly.”

Orange County in the past has lacked such a comprehensive approach to heat relief, drawing concern from advocates for the homeless and other disadvantaged groups. In contrast, Seminole County has opened relief centers when temperatures become unbearable, and the Christian Service Center in Orlando has welcomed people inside its facility as well.

The transportation element of Orange County’s new plan is especially welcome, with Lynx making stops at cooling locations along regular routes.

Excessive heat warnings are issued by the National Weather Service within 12 hours of when the heat index temperature is expected to reach 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures are not expected to drop below 75° F.

The weather service’s index considers the duration of a heat wave because longer hot spells are deemed to cause more public health woes.

The advisories suggest staying out of the sun, drinking plenty of water and checking up on relatives and neighbors.

“Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the weather service recommended Monday. “Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Banks said Orange County Fire/Rescue teams visited over 225 assisted living and senior living facilities last week to check on power systems, air-conditioning and backup power generators. Those centers were provided with point-of-contact numbers if an emergency should develop.

The weather service issued 24 heat advisories last summer and four so far this year.

Banks said when the weather service issues an “extreme heat” warning — a heat index forecast predicted to hit or top 113 degrees — county staff and the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida will distribute water to unsheltered people and others in need.

Such a warning was issued just twice in 2023, Banks said.

shudak@orlandosentinel.com