'Our neighbors are collapsing from heat illness,' cries official fighting for AC

THERE have been excessively high temperatures across the US this week and officials are calling for an air conditioning mandate. 

Americans from California and Texas across to Maryland experienced the excessive heat which could lead to risks under certain circumstances. 

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Austin’s Council member Vanessa Fuentes has called for the city to require residents to have AC 15 degrees cooler than the outside temp, Community Impact reported.

The city is nearing the building code temperature mandate being approved in July.

“Just taking one step outside will show you why we need this,” Fuentes said, per Community Impact.

“When our neighbors are collapsing from heat illness, suffering from exhaustion, and facing high wildfire risks, they’re going to need a cool place to stay.”

Dallas and Houston have temperature restrictions for residential buildings.

However, a similar legislation for mandated AC in Austin was denied in 2023.

The long-running heat wave across the US has broken multiple records and is affecting both the West and the East with dangerous temperatures.

About 36 million people, or 10% of the US population, are under an excessive heat warning, according to the National Weather Service.

The high temperatures have even hindered the operation of emergency medical helicopters, which cannot fly safely over 120 F, per the Associated Press.

HOT TEMPS

The heat is causing stress for some Americans, while others are thrilled to experience the record-breaking temps. 

Death Valley located in California receives some of the hottest temperatures in the US and people travel there for it.

Officials at Death Valley have advised people to avoid visiting the park because temperatures have been too high recently. 

“While this is a very exciting time to experience potential world record-setting temperatures in Death Valley, we encourage visitors to choose their activities carefully,” Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said, per Associated Press.

Death Valley during the summer has always been a bucket list thing for me

Tourist Chris Kinsel

“Avoiding prolonged periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building when temperatures are this high,” he continued. 

Some visitors, like Chris Kinsel and Tracy Housley, expressed excitement about experiencing extreme temperatures despite the risks.

“Death Valley during the summer has always been a bucket list thing for me,” Kinsel said, per AP News.

‘For most of my life, I’ve wanted to come out here in summertime.”

“We just thought, let’s be there for that,” Housley said.

“Let’s go for the experience.”