New Toolkit for Journalists: How to Investigate Dangerous Heat in Prisons
Date:  08-05-2025

People behind bars, including employees, often have no reprieve from soaring temperatures that sometimes can be fatal
From The Marshall Project:

In this toolkit:

Read this first

Initial Reporting Steps

Common story themes

Interviewing key sources

Resources

Style and standards

Heat waves and days with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are becoming more frequent, because of climate change. This poses a serious threat to people behind bars. When outside temperatures exceed 100 degrees, heat indexes in prisons and jails can reach 150 degrees, studies show, because the facilities trap heat.

People behind bars, including employees, often have no reprieve from soaring temperatures, putting them at risk for serious heat-related injuries. In some cases, extreme heat can be fatal.

This toolkit is designed to support reporters in covering the impact of extreme heat on prisons or jails in their community. If you’re on deadline covering a heat wave in your area, we recommend skipping ahead to the resources section below, where you’ll find relevant lawsuits, research studies and experts to contact. Continue reading >>>