Extreme heat poses significant risks, particularly to lower-income individuals and those without access to air conditioning. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and homeless populations, face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. For example, New York City hospitals reported 156 heat-related emergency visits on July 3, the highest since 2017, while Maine saw 128 visits during a similar period. Maryland has already recorded 38 heat-related deaths this summer, surpassing last year's total. The underutilization of cooling centers exacerbates these risks, as many individuals remain outdoors or at home despite the availability of safer alternatives.