A new report highlights dangerous conditions in jails, where temperatures can soar to 149°F
Larry McCollum’s tragic death in 2011, following three days in the uncomfortably hot Hutchins state jail in Texas, helped expose the deadly consequences of extreme temperatures in the state’s correctional facilities. Despite some reforms, a recent report reveals that conditions in many Texas prisons remain perilous, with cell blocks reaching up to 149°F. The 58-year-old inmate’s death, due to heat stroke, led to a lawsuit against the prison system, prompting changes in heat management. However, according to a new study by Texas A&M’s Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, over 110°F is still common in many facilities. Inmates, particularly those with medical conditions, suffer from extreme heat, leading to heat-related illnesses. With less than a third of Texas prisons fully air-conditioned, the state faces ongoing risks, exacerbated by rising temperatures due to climate change. Researchers warn that without further action, deadly consequences are inevitable.
