Hot environmental temperatures in prisons and jails: Consequences and solutions

During hot weather, high environmental temperatures may occur in correctional facilities. The physical architecture of corrections facilities, and security policies and procedures may add to the risk of heat related illness. Heat illness such as heatstroke is only one potential consequence of housing prisoners in hot environmental conditions. Exacerbation of underlying chronic medical problems such as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions is common; increased morbidity and mortality from all causes is reported during heat waves. Corrections staff are also at risk in such conditions. Medication to treat psychiatric disorders, hypertension and coronary artery disease decrease effective thermoregulation and the ability to cool is impaired. The misconception that heatstroke takes significant time to develop, or is invariably preceded by a recognizable prodrome of heat illness, or a complaint of discomfort, leads to inadequate plans for monitoring inmates. Heat plans that rely on the staff's ability to recognize the impending collapse of an inmate are inadequate. Officials may underestimate the temperatures in cells by measuring the environmental temperature outside the cells. Multiple examples of high environmental temperatures in corrections facilities will be used to illustrate. The effects of medications as they relate to the risk of heat illness will be discussed. The need for heat injury surveillance and reporting as part of the Bureau of Justice Statistics will be addressed. Categorization of prisoners as heat sensitive, and policies to promote health safety for all prisoners housed in hot environments are discussed.