Douglas County Emergency Management is hosting an Extreme Heat Readiness Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, March 9, in Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.

The free workshop will cover how to recognize health-related illnesses, understand National Weather Service alerts, adjust operations safely and communicate effectively during periods of extreme heat. The training is geared toward local businesses, chambers of commerce, event organizers, leaders of sporting and recreation events, and communications professionals.

“With thousands of visitors expected in our community for World Cup events this summer, we want to make sure local organizations feel confident and prepared,” Deputy Emergency Management Director John Stipetich said. “Extreme heat is something we can plan for, and this workshop gives businesses and event organizers practical steps to keep residents and visitors safe when temperatures rise.”

Preparing for extreme heat not only helps prevent heat-related illnesses, it also reduces strain on first responders and local healthcare resources.

The workshop will include a panel discussion, followed by facilitated group conversations and “what-if” scenarios that ask participants to think through how they would respond in real-world situations. Scenario topics will include:

• Safely managing outdoor events
• Keeping customers and staff safe in busy retail and hospitality settings
• Communicating effectively

The event is offered in partnership with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, Douglas County Sustainability, National Weather Service, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, and Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture.

Registration is open through March 4 at https://dgcoks.gov/form/heatworkshop.