Staying Safe in the Extreme Heat


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You can follow some simple tips to avoid a heat-related illness. Drinking plenty of water and using sunscreen is a great start. But there’s so much more to keeping yourself, family and pets safe in the extreme Arizona heat. Keep reading for resources and tips.


Cooling Centers: Seek shelter

Emergency Cooling Centers and water distribution areas are established throughout Maricopa County during the summer from May 1 - September 30 and extreme heat events for those who do not have access to indoor cool environments.

Cooling centers can be community centers, churches, and other community-based organizations that provide water and serve as a safe, cool indoor place during the day for refuge from the heat. Please visit the Heat Relief Regional Network to learn more.

Donation sites accept water and other supplies in need.

The Heat Relief map will return next season starting May 1, 2024.


Stay Safe


You can take simple actions to stay safe in the heat:

  • Stay indoors with air conditioning as much as possible.
  • Carry around water with you and drink BEFORE you feel thirsty.
  • Check your car - NEVER leave children or pets in the car.


Watch for Signs


People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Heat stroke is the most serious and dangerous heat-related illness that could lead to death.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that could lead to heat stroke if left untreated.


Get Assistance


Various local agencies and companies offer assistance programs to help Arizonans with their energy and utility bills.

Seniors can find bilingual help with housing, transportation, long-term care, home-delivered meals and more.

Help Others in Need

A group of Good Samaritans stopped their cars and took time out of their day to help rescue an individual in distress from the extreme heat in July 2023. This person was 71 years old and having trouble speaking and walking. Glendale and Phoenix EMS were called in to help and arrived within minutes. The woman’s temperature was a dangerous 103 degrees when EMS arrived. This story is an example of how we can all look out for one another during our summers of excessive heat.

Learn how to recognize signs of heat illness


Learn More

In this video, one of our Epidemiologists, Aaron Gettel, describes the dangers of heat, who is most at risk, how to stay safe and what signs to watch out for when it comes to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

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