Extreme heat can kill.

In prison facilities across the country, life-threatening temperatures are the norm during the summer months. Right now, in the midst of a nationwide heatwave, incarcerated people are experiencing torturous conditions. Extreme temperatures are cruel and inhumane to staff and residents. 

• Excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. 

• Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration and heat stroke, both of which can be fatal.

• Heat makes prisons more dangerous. Exposure to extreme heat can exacerbate preexisting health problems, endangering prisoners and staff.

• Various counties require dog kennels to provide air conditioning and air ventilation to keep animals safe during sweltering temperatures, but few states have similar laws to protect prisoners and prison staff.

• Unbearable heat conditions undermine the rehabilitative purpose of prison.

Hundreds of thousands of prisoners across the country have to withstand scorching summer temperatures because they live in archaic prison facilities without proper ventilation or climate control systems. For decades, millions of dollars have been spent defending lawsuits following the injury and death of incarcerated people in these inhumane prison conditions. 

Tell your elected officials to ensure the safety of people in prisons by creating and supporting legislation to address extreme heat in prisons. Contact your lawmakers and governor and tell them prison facilities need proper air ventilation and air-conditioning!

We can do better.