A heatwave affects an entire city, but exposure and capacity to cope differ sharply. Outdoor workers may be unable to avoid peak temperatures, while poorly insulated homes can retain heat overnight. Age, health conditions, income and access to cooling further shape who faces the greatest danger.
Universal warnings remain useful, yet equal messages do not create equal protection. Employers may need work-rest schedules, health services need outreach lists, and cities need accessible cool spaces with transport options. Mapping vulnerability must avoid labelling communities without improving services. The purpose of data is targeted action, not simply a more detailed description of inequality. Fair heat policy matches support to unequal exposure and capacity. Targeted action remains fair when it responds to documented differences in work, housing, health and access to cooling.