Extreme heat is a public health threat to Washingtonians
The catastrophic heat dome of 2021 caused 441 excess deaths, as described in reports from Washington and British Columbia.
Most who died in 2021 were at home, without access to cooling. Extreme continues to cause death and serious illness in Washington. Wildfires are making matters even worse. Tenants, elders, infants, children, people with chronic illnesses, and low-income households are especially vulnerable.
Many tenants in Washington have no way to access cooling. Unlike heating, water, and electricity, landlords are not required to provide cooling. Some tenants use their own air conditioners, but many landlords restrict or prohibit the use of portable cooling devices.
Our coalition is working to pass legislation that will make cooling accessible for tenants.