Heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the United States, causing more fatalities than hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods. While major storms often dominate news headlines, the insidious danger of heat waves results in a higher annual death toll. Many heat-related deaths go underreported because heat exacerbates existing health conditions, leading to fatalities that are not always directly attributed to the weather. The impact of extreme heat is cumulative, frequent, and widespread, underscoring the critical importance of accessible shade, proper hydration, and cooling resources as essential, life-saving measures during the hot summer months.