Disaster Ministries and United Methodists across North Carolina have responded to hurricanes, tornadoes, and pandemics by serving on Early Response Teams, assembling flood buckets, and operating as food pantries or donation centers. Summers are becoming increasingly hotter, putting many people at risk of heat-related illnesses.

To prepare for extreme heat, churches can:

- Create a disaster plan and establish a calling tree to check on congregation members. 

- Stay informed with weather updates and information from emergency officials. 

- Assemble an emergency kit containing food, water, and first aid supplies. 

- Weatherize your home or church to keep cool during heat waves. Covering windows with drapes or shades, weather strip doors and windows, or adding window reflectors are a few ways to help keep the heat out and the cool air in. 

- Learn to recognize symptoms and respond to heat-induced illness.

One way churches can help respond to rising temperatures is to become cooling locations. Churches across our Conferences are opening their doors to offer a place for community members to rest and cool off during extreme heat. 

Cooling locations can provide more than just a place to sit in air conditioning. Providing cold water to drink, wet washcloths and towels, tubs for soaking feet, internet access, entertainment for children, and more are great ways to welcome neighbors and beat the heat. Your hospitality can potentially save lives.

Disaster Ministries and Creation Care Ministries have gathered resources on extreme heat and ways your church can prepare and respond to high temperatures. Visit our High Heat Response page to learn more about how you can become a cooling location. You can also download flyers and brochures to share with your congregation or hand out at community events and food pantries. 

We thank you for supporting our ministry and hope you will join us in being a caring Christian presence in times of need. Together, we can make a difference in our communities by offering support and relief during extreme heat and other disasters.

Find out more at nccumc.org/heat-response