Central Arizona Extreme Heat Safety

As temperatures soar in Central Arizona, understanding how to stay safe during a heat wave is crucial. Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. This guide provides essential information on protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Understanding the Risks

Central Arizona is particularly vulnerable to extreme heat due to its desert climate. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature, leading to a range of heat-related illnesses. Those most at risk include infants and young children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and individuals who work outdoors.

Recognizing Heat-Related Illnesses

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• Heat Cramps: Muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting.
• Heat Stroke: High body temperature (103°F or higher), confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 immediately.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Here are steps you can seize to protect yourself and others:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t sense thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Seek Air Conditioning: Spend time in air-conditioned environments. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, visit a cooling center.
• Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade.
• Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Check on Others: Regularly check on elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives who may be vulnerable to the heat.
• Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, even on a mild day.

Treating Heat-Related Illnesses

If someone is experiencing a heat-related illness:

• Heat Cramps: Move to a cooler location, rest, and drink fluids.
• Heat Exhaustion: Move to a cooler location, rest, drink fluids, and apply cool cloths to the body.
• Heat Stroke: Call 911 immediately. Although waiting for help, move the person to a cooler location, remove excess clothing, and cool the body with water or ice packs.

Resources and Support

The American Red Cross provides resources and support to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme heat events. You can find more information and volunteer opportunities at the American Red Cross Arizona & Recent Mexico website.

The American Red Cross Arizona and New Mexico Region serves communities through its Central Arizona, Northern Arizona, Southern Arizona, and New Mexico Chapters, covering nearly 235,580 square miles. They offer disaster relief, lifesaving training, and community resilience programs.

You can also find volunteer opportunities and sign up for newsletters to stay informed about local events and the latest Red Cross news. Consider taking a training class to learn Red Cross skills and how to help others during emergencies.

Chapter Locations

• Central Arizona Chapter: 4747 North 22nd Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85016 – (602) 336-6660
• Northern Arizona Chapter: 1750 S Railroad Springs Blvd, Ste 1, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 – 928-779-5494
• New Mexico Chapter: 2121 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 – (505) 265-8514
• Southern Arizona Chapter: 3470 E. Universal Way, Tucson, AZ 85756 – (520) 318-6740