This bill establishes a three-year pilot program called the Code Red alert, aimed at providing shelter and emergency services to at-risk individuals during extreme heat conditions. It defines "at-risk individuals" as those living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings who are vulnerable to weather-related exposure and potential death. The program will be coordinated by county emergency management offices, which will work with municipal emergency management coordinators in areas with a documented homeless population of at least ten people. The Code Red alert plans will include communication and outreach efforts, the establishment of emergency cooling centers, and transportation services for at-risk individuals during heat alerts.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Office of Emergency Management submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the pilot program's effectiveness, challenges, and recommendations for its future. The county emergency management coordinator will monitor weather forecasts and issue a Code Red alert when specific temperature thresholds are met. The bill also provides civil liability protections for the State, local governments, and volunteer organizations involved in the implementation of the Code Red alert plan, ensuring they are not held liable for injuries or damages that occur while providing emergency services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: .A:9-52