Summer has officially hit Arizona, as we have already reached several 110-plus-degree days last month, and temperatures will continue to rise as we head into the dog days of summer. Remember, summer in Arizona is more than hot—it can be dangerous. Learn how to stay safe in extreme heat!
• Each summer, heat illness sends hundreds of people to local emergency rooms.
• Heat illness or overheating can happen while working, playing, resting, or doing routine activities.
• Heat illness can affect anyone, at any age.
• Those at highest risk are: homeless, adults over 65, children under 4, people with existing medical problems such as heart disease, and people without access to air conditioning.
• Limit outdoor activities to the early morning hours.
• Drink plenty of water on hot days and eat regular, light meals.
• Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Remind others to drink enough water.
• Find a cool place to spend the hottest times of the day.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. They make heat illness worse.
• Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
• Learn the symptoms of heat illness.