Stay Safe This Summer in Arizona

May 23, 2023
Aasiyah Hamzazai

Summer has already started in Arizona, and it is time to get ready for the heat that will last until September. During summer, Arizona becomes one of the hottest places in the world, which puts every Arizonan at risk. From 2018 to 2022  Arizona hospitals recorded an average of 2,858 heat related emergency visits and 582 heat related deaths. In the years 2011-2021, more than 2,000 people died due to heat exposure in Arizona. 

 

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

With increasing heat, look for the symptoms like thirst, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or sunstroke. Individuals experiencing these may have cool, moist, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion, nausea/vomiting, high body temperatures, rapid weak pulse, and seizures. For further details check Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) page at: https://bit.ly/3nLKpZS 

 

Prevention of heat-related illnesses:

Heat related deaths and illnesses can be prevented by taking  safety measures like,

  • Drink at least 2 liters of water every day even if staying indoors.
  • Wear light colored and lightweight clothing.
  • Eat small meals, eat more often, and avoid high protein foods.
  • Check your family, friends, and others for heat exhaustion.
  • Either avoid strenuous activities or do these in the coolest times of the day like 4:00am-7:00am and take regular breaks.
  • Stay indoors when possible.

Further details at: https://bit.ly/3nLKpZS 

Resources available: 

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has provided a Heat Safety Resources Guide (https://bit.ly/3VPsXQO ), a Heat Emergency Response Plan (https://bit.ly/42C5dSm ), and a bilingual Heat Brochure (https://bit.ly/3VPByD5 ).  

In Pima, Maricopa and Yuma County the Heat Relief Networks are developed. These networks provide maps for the free water, free air-conditioned spaces, and places where we can donate water. 

 If you need help with keeping you home cool, contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security for their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at: https://des.az.gov/liheap or you can look for a nearby cooling center at: https://bit.ly/3B82dRY 

 

Arizonans can stay safe and informed this summer by, 

Checking your county’s website for information and planning ahead towards safe summer at: https://bit.ly/3McnzE6

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