People do not appreciate the personal risk they take venturing outside in extreme heat

I am concerned about the response of our government to the extreme heat wave and its effect on Arizonans and, especially, citizens of Maricopa County.

Extreme heat waves appear to be becoming the norm in our state. It is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in the United States.

Research shows that, compared with thinking about dramatic events such as storm surges and wildfires, people don’t perceive the personal risk they face with extreme heat.

This mismatch between the real dangers of extreme heat and disregard for personal safety can be traced to policy.

Climate mitigation and adaptation plans do not often prioritize heat risks to human health.

Why doesn’t our federal government classify an extreme heat wave to warrant a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Act) response?

The president can declare a major disaster for any natural event, including any

hurricane, tornado or storm. Shouldn’t heat waves be included?

An appalling number of people will die this year due to extreme heat. It is time our government helped those less fortunate.

Myron R. Hammes, Paradise Valley The letter writer is chair of the board of directors of Human Services Campus Inc. which owns and manages the Human Services Campus.

If Trump gets elected, I will leave the Republican Party forever

A loyal, lifetime Republican and dedicated evangelical Christian, I voted for Donald Trump in 2016.

Trump lost me with his private, behind-closed-doors meeting with Vladimir Putin and his little sword dance with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia who had ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.

In 2020, I voted the Democrat ticket, and if ever again Donald Trump steps one foot in the White House, I will leave the Republican Party forever.

When Trump pointed his hand to heaven and declared “I am the chosen one,” millions of Eevangelicals fell for it, but not me.

Enough is enough.

Janis Dorris, Glendale