Living Through Extreme Heat

This resource hub is designed for those living through extreme heat – temperatures over 90 for a period of 2-3 days – conditions across the country.

The Southwest is particularly vulnerable to prolonged exposure to dangerous heat that impacts all aspects of daily life, and other areas of the country are experiencing “heat domes” more frequently.

Here you’ll find community and government resources that will help cope with these conditions – whether you’re a pregnant woman or parent looking for ways to keep your children safe, maintain your health as an outdoor worker or senior, or lower energy bills.

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Personal Health

Bad air quality can make extreme heat more dangerous. Before your kids play outside in the heat, check the quality of your air to make sure it's safe. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures over 90 can be dangerous for children:

Air quality: https://www.airnow.gov/ 

CDC HeatRisk meter: Temperature and Heat

Temperature and Air Quality:

Heat related illnesses and death are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action. Heat.gov serves as the premier source of heat and health information for the nation to reduce the health, economic, and infrastructural impacts of extreme heat. Heat.gov is the web portal for the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS)

Your personal health (medications, existing health condition, behavior) might make you more susceptible to heat illness, check to see if you’re at higher risk:

Personal Risk Factors 

Factores de riesgo personales y exposición al calor 

Heat.gov:

The Red Cross Extreme Heat Preparedness Checklist: An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

English and Spanish 

You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Download the Red Cross App for help during emergencies.

Pregnancy and Childcare 

Pregnancy can make people more susceptible to heat related illness and can pose a danger to the health of the mother and the baby. Staying hydrated, cool, and out of direct sun can help. Children are also more susceptible to heat illness.

Please review these resources on how to stay healthy in extreme heat:

Arizona Department of Health has a toolkit for childcare in the heat

Prevention is the best defense. The EPA recommends “As much as you can, keep children out of direct sun. Move outdoor activities to the morning and evening rather than middle of the day. Stay hydrated, wear loose and light clothing, and practice sun safety (including wearing sunscreen).

Never leave children alone in a parked car – temperatures inside a car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even with an open window.

Preschool and elementary children might enjoy CDC’s “Ready Wrigley Prepares for Extreme Heat,” a coloring and activity book that teaches kids what they can do to stay safe.

EPA:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

The CDC has created a resources for staying healthy in the heat 

CDC Pregnancy toolkit

CDC Infant and Child Toolkit 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

Working in the Heat

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Working outside, or simply being outside during periods of extreme heat, can have serious health risks. has some resources for how to recognize heat illness.

Senior Care 

Find information on transportation resources and general assistance available in your county.

A resource to connect older adults, caregivers, and professionals to important federal, national, and local programs.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or nonprofit private agency that helps older Arizonans. AAAs are chosen by the State to plan and coordinate services at the local level to advocate for older adults and offer information on programs, options, and community support.

The agency's webpage on maintaining health across the lifespan as part of the Healthy Aging Initiative.

Arizona Department of Economic Security’s (DES) Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) center for resources for a variety of needs.

A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that can connect older adults and their families to services including transportation assistance. You can also call Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

A poster to educate older adults and caregivers about heat safety.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Extreme Heat Media Toolkit for the older adult population.

Heat safety guidance from the Health in Aging Foundation.

Information about why older adults are at risk from extreme heat and how to stay safe.

Local Community Efforts

The Red Cross is offering training for cooling center best practices that will help you and your loved ones stay safe during times of extreme heat. You’ll learn what to look for in heat stroke and also how to be a leader in your community. These in-person workshops will equip participants with best practices, operational guidance, and resources to enhance community readiness for extreme heat events. Currently, sessions are scheduled in Phoenix, Arizona, with plans to expand to Northern and Southern Arizona soon.

Register here 

Arizona and New Mexico:

Cooling centers are staffed community spaces that are air-conditioned and can provide relief from the heat. These are particularly helpful when there are power outages. Find a cooling center near you:

ARIZONA 

MARICOPA COUNTY 

Cooling centers:

Arizona Department of Health Services

150 North 18th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

General public information: 602-542-1025

Information on preparing for and responding to extreme heat events for public information officers and local health professionals.

Stay connected wherever you are by tuning in to NOAAs Weather Radio (NWR); a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information.

Visit 211 Arizona online to find resources and assistance in your county.

211 Arizona:

Arizona’s largest database of food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other organizations that distribute  food.

Free, confidential online service that allows you to prescreen for 40 social service programs.

Use the Benefit Finder Tool by USA.GOV to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and how to apply.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security provides statewide, county, and Tohono O’Odham Nation assistance to connect those seeking social services to local programs and organizations. Find more under Additional Resources.

Find free or reduced-cost resources in your county, such as food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

Tips on hydration and heat-related illness.

Various mental health resources, including national hotlines, to connect you to the mental health support you or a loved one needs.

Heat safety for pets and other pet resources.

Find statewide transportation services.

Arizona Power Access:

With much of NC recovering and rebuilding from extreme weather events, access to power and cooling places may be impacted, please consult the state’s action plan for extreme heat 

North Carolina:

Rural and Vulnerable Communities

Visit 211 Arizona online to find resources and assistance in your county.

Information on county and city rental assistance and eviction prevention programs through the Arizona Department of Housing.

Support to those living in mobile homes through the Arizona Department of Housing.

Community Legal Services & Housing Rights:

Information regarding Fair Housing and Landlord Tenant Act can be found through links provided on the Arizona Department of Housing. 

Use this interactive map to find community cooling centers and free water near you!

Provides assistance with past-due payments and up to one month of future rental assistance for new applicants through the US Department of Treasury.

How to stay safe during extreme heat when you live outdoors.

Replacement identification documents including birth certificates and other supporting documents at no cost. Secure document storage is offered in order to prevent loss, theft, or destruction of these documents.

Housing resources for those with special needs and certain populations from the Arizona Department of Housing.

Search for AZAHCCCS opioid services by zip code and locations accepting new clients. 

Programs and services help you find shelter and housing during a time of need. Services include short-term crisis services for low-income families, domestic violence resources and services, homelessness resources and services, and utility assistance.

Help consumers across America by providing the answers they need to make informed housing decisions. To get help in another language or seek disaster relief assistance counseling, call HUD at 800-569-4287 or 202-708-1455 (TTY).