Bill > S3121

Introduced Session

This bill creates a Code Red alert modeled on the Code Blue alert under current law. The bill provides for the coordination, by a county office of emergency management, of emergency services rendered by municipal governments, social service agencies, and certain non-profit organizations to the homeless during harsh hot weather conditions. The bill defines an at-risk individual as an individual living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings who is at risk for weather-related exposure and possible death. The bill amends current law to ensure the plans throughout the county include communication and outreach to at-risk individuals, as well as transportation during the implementation of a Code Blue or Code Red alert plan. The bill requires a county office of emergency management, or other appropriate county office, agency, or department, to coordinate with municipal emergency management coordinators in municipalities with a documented homeless population of at least 10 persons, to develop consistent Code Red alert plans throughout the county that provide emergency cooling centers during implementation of a Code Red alert. The bill makes the county emergency management coordinator responsible for monitoring National Weather Service weather forecasts, and requires issuance of a Code Red alert if: 1) the heat index is forecast to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 99 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two consecutive days; or 2) the temperatures will reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit for any length of time. The issuance of an alert will trigger implementation of the county Code Red alert plan, including the provision of emergency cooling centers for at-risk individuals. These cooling centers may be provided by designated volunteer organizations that would receive planning support from the county but operate autonomously in response to an alert. The bill provides "Good Samaritan" protection from civil liability to the State, a political subdivision, and their agents and employees, as well as to volunteer organizations and their members and volunteers who, during implementation of a Code Red alert plan, provide emergency cooling centers to at-risk individuals. Creates Code Red alert to shelter at-risk individuals during hot weather.

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Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 10/18/2018)