Heat Relief Network

PHOENIX WEATHER
Heat Relief 2022 has ended. Heat relief resources will again be available in May 2023.

Heat Relief Network

The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, and businesses. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network, a network of partners providing hydration stations, refuge locations, and water donation sites throughout the Valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations. The map and directories are updated as new partners sign up throughout the summer season, which runs May 1 to September 30.

Agencies or organizations wishing to become a Heat Relief Network partner are invited to complete the HRN application for each location offering heat relief. Only public or nonprofit locations will be accepted and shown on the map/directories. Private residences will not be accepted. Once the submission form is submitted and approved, your location will be added to the interactive map and printable directory.

Heat Relief Network logo

Prevent Heat Related Deaths & Illness

Heat-related illnesses are frequent during Arizona summers and can result in death. Each year, nearly 2,000 people visit Arizona emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses.

We work each year to expand the network throughout the region so that vulnerable populations are never far from obtaining water or refuge from the heat. Our HRN partners explain why they participate in the program and how it impacts their communities:

Heat relief interview with Scottsdale Public LibraryScottsdale Public Library
Heat relief interview with Vista Del CaminoVista Del Camino
Community Center
Heat relief interview with GlendaleCity of Glendale
each year 30-50 Arizona residents die from excessive exposure to the heat

There were 339 heat-associated deaths reported in 2021, a 5% increase from 2020 and a 70% increase from 2019. (Source: Maricopa County)

 

 

 

 

 

Tips & Resources to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

Tips to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

  • Increase fluid intake regardless of activity level. Staying hydrated is extremely important.
  • Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
  • When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and re-apply often. Wear a hat, lightweight clothing and sunglasses.
  • Rest frequently in shady or cool areas to give the body's temperature a chance to recover and cool down.
  • Never leave adults, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
  • Respectfully check on elderly neighbors to make sure their air conditioning is working and in use. Take advantage of free air-conditioning by visiting locations like shopping malls, the library or other heat refuge locations provided on the map.

For more information about how you can avoid a heat-related illness, go to the Arizona Department of Health Services website.

Heat Awareness

Arizona Department of Health – Heat Safety

Maricopa County Public Health Department – Extreme Heat

National Weather Service Heat Information Page

Heat Relief Assitance

2-1-1 Arizona - Can assist in locating and finding transportation to nearest Heat Relief location.

Limited Income Assistance Programs (APS) (SRP)

Pet Housing Help - Locate temporary housing for pets

Become a Partner & Information

Partner roles can include providing cooling centers, hydration stations, respite center, donation collection points, or a combination of these services. Heat Relief Network partners are responsible for ensuring water availability if listed as a cooling center, respite center, and/or a hydration station location. MAG is unable to store or transport water.

Please utilize the MAG Interactive Heat Relief Network Map to coordinate with other network partners for donations of water. There are donation sites across the region that are willing to share donations they receive with network partners. Partners should consider participating in the Cooling Center Response Network, a decentralized donation network connecting cooling center providers with donors.

We appreciate your partnership. Together we can help reduce heat-related deaths across our region and provide help to the most vulnerable.