Heat Sensitivity Exposure Index

This Index combines a Heat Sensitivity Index and a Heat Exposure Index allowing users to visualize which census tracts in DC are most heat sensitive and/or exposed. The Heat Sensitivity Index is made up of variables that influence an individual’s ability to adapt to, cope with, or recover from extreme heat and includes six socio-economic and demographic variables and three health variables. The Heat Exposure Index includes ambient air temperature as the heat exposure variable and two physical variables that contributes to heat retention (i.e., impervious surfaces and lack of tree canopy cover).