Phoenix readies for scorching summer to prevent another record number of heat-related deaths
Over 600 people died in the Phoenix Metro area from heat-related illnesses in 2023, setting a record for heat-related deaths for the city.
Phoenix readies for excessive heat trying to avoid last year's record number of heat deaths
Record heat across southern Arizona killed over 600 people in the Phoenix Metro area. FOX 10's Lauren Clark talks to Austin Moreland of the Phoenix Fire Department, Dr. Paul Pugsley and Maylee Acosta of the City of Peoria to find out what officials are planning to do during this summer to avoid a repeat of last summer when heat killed more than 600 people.
PHOENIX - An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the Phoenix area, and several Arizona counties, as temperatures could reach 113 degrees in some parts of the state this week. Officials want to avoid a repeat of the record number of heat-related deaths last summer.
"High temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday and Friday at between 109-113 degrees across the lower deserts," NWS Phoenix wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
PHOENIX'S RECORD SUMMER HEAT KILLED OVER 600 PEOPLE, NEW REPORT SAYS
HEATRISK: NEW TOOL AIMS TO HALT CLIMBING NUMBER OF HEAT RELATED ATTACKS
What are Heat Emergencies?
Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps.
Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, cool/moist skin.
Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103 degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious.
HOW THE WEATHER YOU'RE ACCUSTOMED TO AFFECTS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HEAT WARNINGS, ADVISORIES
Warm weather can lead to everything from heat exhaustion to heat stroke.
(National Weather Service Sacramento )
What to do
- Get person into shade or cool location
- Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body
- Sip cool water if person is alert
- For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed
- *If symptoms worsen, call 911
WHAT IS THE HEAT INDEX AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH?
File: An Emergency Medical Technician attends to a person after he called in for chest pain after working outdoors.
(Brandon Bell / Getty Images)
What not to do
- Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious.
- Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
- Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat.
WHY 50 DEGREES FEELS FRIGID TO SOME BUT WARM TO OTHERS: THE SCIENCE OF ACCLIMATION
FILE -- Firefighters and paramedics from Phoenix Fire Station 18 wheel a resident to an ambulance from a bus stop during a heat wave in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
(Caitlin O'Hara/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
Know your limitations
- Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after).
- Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes.
- Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company.
- Always tell someone where you are hiking and when you plan to return.
IT'S NOT THE HEAT; IT'S THE HUMIDITY: MOISTURE INCREASES HEAT RISK IN URBAN CLIMATES
File: A resident fills a bottle with water from a drinking fountain during a heatwave.
(David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke
The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Find a cooling center/hydration station.
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (midday).
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
- Check the UV Index.
- Check the heat risk map.
The above heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.