Heat Relief

The heat of the summer months in Arizona are dangerous.  Anyone is subject to heat-related illness and it is important to be aware of how to find relief.  During this COVID-19 pandemic, finding shelter and resources may be more challenging with public and business building closed and safe distancing measures in place.  

Below are some tips and resources to become aware and find help in Tempe and across the Valley.   

QUICK ACCESS LINKS

Maricopa County –  EXTREME HEAT   (provides variety of resources and info in both Spanish and English)     
City of Tempe  – HEAT RELIEF  (Tempe specific resources)
HYDRATION and HEAT RELIEF STATIONS (Open During Pandemic)  

SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

STAY COOL

  • Indoors:
    • In an air-conditioned space
    • Do not rely on fans if over 90 degrees
    • Frequently take cool baths or showers, but do not cool down quickly if over heated – may cause dizziness and feeling ill.
  • Outdoors:
    • Wear hat, lightweight clothing and sunglasses
    • Apply sunscreen often, using a minimum SPF 15
    • Avoid or limit exercise or outdoor activity between 11 am and 3 pm (the hottest part of the day)
    • Utilize shady or cool areas to recover body temperature or cool down
    • NEVER leave adults, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
  • When pandemic restrictions ease up, utilize free air-conditioned locations such as shopping malls and local library
  • Remember to maintain social distancing at all times, wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, avoid groups of 10 people or more, if possible, wear a cloth face covering, and if sick, stay home/away from others (more tips at Maricopa.gov – Protect Yourself and Others

HYDRATE

  • Drink water – MOST IMPORTANT – even if you don’t feel thirsty
  • Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine
  • Avoid very cold beverages, especially if over-heated – which can cause stomach cramps and possible heat stroke
  • Avoid hot and heavy meals
  • Some medications may increase the risk of heat-related illness.  Ask your healthcare provider about your medications
  • Keep pets hydrated and inside if possible, or cool shady area

BE INFORMED

GET HELP

Paying for utilities

Did you know?  

    • Those who rent homes or apartments are entitled by Tempe’s city ordinance to working air conditioning. If your air temperature is 88F or above for evaporative cooling or 82F or above for air conditioning, contact your management company/landlord. Then you can file a complaint with the city’s Code Enforcement division through Tempe 311 at 480-350-4311, open every weekday.
    • Utility companies have pledged not to disconnect services for late, partial or non-payment at this time. They will also reconnect service that has previously been disconnected.
    • City of Tempe is not disconnecting water service for late, partial on non-payment at this time.
    • City of Tempe offers a program for emergency air conditioning repairs for those in financial need through their Affordable Housing Programs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • Check in on those who are at greater risk, such as infants/young children, those 65 and older, and those with chronic diseases.
  • Donate bottled water to:
    • City of Tempe’s homeless outreach team, known as HOPE, arrange delivery to the Tempe Public Library by emailing Homeless Solutions Supervisor Nicky Stevens at Nichole_Stevens@tempe.gov
    • Tempe Salvation Army, 40 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.967.8649

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