Extreme heat
in Arizona
Arizona faces a severe public health threat from extreme heat. The page provides essential information on how to stay safe during extreme heat. It also offers links to official health agencies, assistance programs, and ways to get involved.
Stay Safe When Temperatures Rise
While other states brace for hurricanes or tornadoes, Arizona faces a different threat: extreme heat. It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s deadly. In fact, extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, responsible for more deaths each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, and floods combined.
Since 2014, over 3,200 people in Maricopa County have lost their lives due to heat-related causes. The crisis rapidly accelerated from 2019-2023—demanding urgent attention and action.
In 2024 alone, 608 people in our community died of heat-related causes.
🛡️ Heat Safety Tips
Protect yourself and those you care about:
- Hydrate frequently, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Avoid outdoor activity between 11 AM and 3 PM, the hottest part of the day.
- Wear protection: Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), a hat, sunglasses, and light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces to let your body cool down.
- Never leave children, adults or pets in parked vehicles—even for a few minutes.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure their air conditioning is functioning.
- Use free public spaces like libraries, malls or designated cooling centers to escape the heat.
🆘 Get Assistance
Help is available if you’re struggling with the heat:
- Find Cooling Centers, Hydration Stations & Respite Locations
- APS and SRP Limited Income Assistance Programs
- Pet Housing Help – Temporary Housing for Animals
🔍 Learn More
Stay informed through trusted sources:
🤝 Make a Difference
Donate
Donations go to local nonprofits and the Heat Relief Network, which provides critical resources like water, cooling stations, and shelter to protect vulnerable populations.
Get Involved
Sponsor a Heat Relief Kit Build for your team. Together, we can deliver life-saving relief across Arizona. Contact Katie Frederick for more information on corporate partnerships.
Valley of the Sun United Way and United Way Worldwide are proud to partner with Verizon to help communities prepare for future disasters. Learn more at unitedway.org.
