Heat

Is Your Neighbor Hot? Do you know? Why not check ‘em out?

We all know that summer in the desert brings high temperatures, but what many of us forget is that our heat can be deadly.

Heat is the single most dangerous natural phenomenon in Arizona. Each year, between 30 and 50 residents die from excessive exposure to heat.

Maricopa County Departments of Public Health, Emergency Management, Human Services, Animal Care & Control, and the Sheriff's Office have partnered with the State of Arizona, Valley cities and towns and the National Weather Service to remind residents about the dangers of heat season and to ask for your help in helping to keep our community healthy during heat season.

Do your part in detecting heat illness before it becomes deadly.

1.) Check on your neighbors

Is your neighbor’s window open and its 115 degrees outside? This is a sure sign that there may be a problem with the air conditioning. On those excessive heat warning days, check on neighbors that tend to stay inside or those that may be on fixed incomes and might skimp on air conditioning.

2.) Call for support if you notice someone in need

Every city/town has social service agencies to help those in need. If your neighbor is in a difficult situation or if you notice a homeless person who may be in danger due to the heat, call your city/town or Community Information and Referral at 877-764-2670 or www.cir.org.

3.) Sign up to be notified during excessive and extreme heat warnings

Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/Maricopahealth) and we will tweet a reminder when it’s going to be dangerously hot so you can check on those around you and take extra steps to keep yourself safe.

Where to Find Help -

Agencies around the Valley are teaming up to provide resources to help those in need.

Maricopa Association of Governments - 2 maps have been created to indicate resources available in the community. The collection map provides regional locations that are collecting bottled water and other donations such as clothing, unopened sun block, and food items for those who are in need. The hydration and refuge map indicates regional locations that people can go to for water, refuge or both.

City of Phoenix - Offers tips on staying cool and places where you can donate water.

Arizona Ecumenical Council - Offers sites where you can donate items to help the homeless and locations to volunteer.

National Weather Service - Where to get your local weather forecast.