Small Businesses & Extreme Heat: A New Tool to Keep Your Team and Community Safe

With summer around the corner and temperatures expected to soar to record highs, California is taking bold new steps to protect communities from extreme heat, the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the state. This week, Governor Newsom announced the launch of CalHeatScore, a new forecasting tool that ranks heat severity risks and connects Californians with life-saving resources.

While the tool is designed for individuals and families, small businesses can also use its tools and tips to protect employees, customers, and daily operations. The Outsmart Disaster team encourages small businesses to use it as part of their heat preparedness and resiliency planning- to safeguard employees, adapt operations, and support their communities.

Start with the CalHeatScore

CalHeatScore is a simple tool that lets you check the 7-day heat risk forecast in your ZIP code. It uses the latest climate science to assess how hot the days ahead will feel—accounting for factors like humidity and overnight temperatures.

Why it matters for your business:

• Anticipate high-heat days and plan accordingly.
• Make real-time decisions about staffing, scheduling, and services.
• Stay ahead of customer needs and potential disruptions.

Keep Employees Safe

Use the site’s tips to build a basic heat safety plan for your team, especially those working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned spaces:

• Adjust work hours to avoid peak heat.
• Provide shaded rest areas and cool water.
• Train your team to recognize heat illness symptoms.
• Make sure they know about nearby cooling centers—searchable via the Heat Ready CA site.
• Stay compliant with heat illness prevention regulations from Cal/OSHA

Prepare for Disruptions

Extreme heat can also affect business infrastructure:

• Power outages are more likely. Make a plan for how your operations will continue or safely shut down.
• Protect perishable goods with cooling backups if you’re in food service or retail.
• Communicate any changes in hours or services clearly with your customers.

Support Your Community

If your space has air conditioning, consider letting the public know you’re a safe place to cool off. You can also:

• Share heat safety tips from Heat Ready CA on your social media.
• Offer heat-related products or services aligned with forecasted high-heat days.
• Promote resilience as a core value of your business.

Bottom Line

Extreme heat is becoming a regular business challenge in California. With tools like CalHeatScore and the Heat Ready CA website, you can make informed decisions that protect your staff, customers, and operations.

• Check your CalHeatScore.
• Explore full heat safety resources.
• Review Cal/OSHA heat illness

For broader business continuity planning- including natural disasters and climate-related disruptions- visit our website for  tools, forms and guidance tailored for small businesses.

June 2025