FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY – 3-5 pm. Please call for interview request.
Contact: Jeanene Fowler, Public Health: 602-722-1806
National Weather Service Issues First Excessive Heat Warning of the Season for
This Sunday, May 6
Residents Advised to Be Aware of Heat Related Illness
PHOENIX – (May 4, 2018) The National Weather Service issued its first extreme heat warning of the season for this Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm. Temperatures may reach between 105-109 degrees and residents are advised to plan ahead and be aware of this sudden increase in temperature.
“Since we went from relatively mild temperatures earlier this week to high temperatures this weekend, there is a real potential for people to experience heat related illness this Sunday and even into next week. However, this can be easily avoided by taking simple steps: plan ahead by exercising during the cooler part of the day, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in air conditioned locations to cool your body temperature,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Sunenshine pointed out that it’s also important to be aware of your body. If you start experiencing muscle cramps, headaches, vomiting, rapid heart rate, confusion, or you are no longer sweating, these are all symptoms of heat related illness and you should seek medical care immediately.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die in the U.S from heat than from all other natural disasters combined. Last year, there were 155 heat associated deaths which occurred in Maricopa County due to exposure to environmental heat. This is the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record for Maricopa County.
For heat related statistics, more information on signs and symptoms of heat-related illness or heat relief resources, please visit heataz.com or caloraz.com.
###