Arizona Heat Awareness Week from May 27th to May 31st
[NEWS RELEASE] This week, the Pinal County Heat Relief Network is participating in Arizona’s statewide Heat Awareness Week in collaboration with Arizona Department of Health Services. The Heat Relief Network in Pinal County is a collaborative effort led by the United Way of Pinal County (UWPC), Pinal County Public Health Services District, Community Action Human Resources Agency (CAHRA), and Central Arizona Governments (CAG). These agencies coordinate heat refuge and hydration efforts for Pinal County residents from May 1st to September 30th each year. The network is comprised of local agencies, businesses, faith-based organizations, and shelters which open their doors to community members to allow them a place to cool down and drink water. “Pinal County water drives have been around for years. However, in 2018 the UWPC Officially coordinated the Heat Relief Network. A collaboration between 75 agencies to bring about systemic change in Pinal County on the ways we address heat and heat-related illness. We are proud to be able to take this one step further and collaborate with the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services and partake in Arizona Heat Awareness Week.” Said Braden Biggs- United Way of Pinal County Community Programs Manager.
As members of the Heat Relief Network, we invite all Pinal County residents and businesses to participate in Heat Awareness Week from May 27th to May 31st. This awareness week was organized by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the National Weather Service to increase awareness of heat-related illness and prevention. The week is filled with themed days, which focus on hydration, environment/weather, awareness, and how to take action.
Monday, May 27th: (H) Hydrate
Tuesday, May 28th: (E) Environment/Weather
Wednesday, May 29th: (A) Awareness
Thursday, May 30th: (T) Take Action
Friday, May 31st: H-E-A-T Safety Finale
Arizona temperatures reach the triple digits each year, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In 2018, 3,016 individuals visited emergency departments throughout Arizona for heat-related illness. On average, 108 deaths are related to heat exposure in our state. To protect yourself and your loved ones from heat illness, remember to drink plenty of water, dress in lightweight and light-colored clothing, stay indoors when possible, take regular breaks when engaging in outdoor activities, and check on those who are more sensitive to heat (infants and elderly).
For more information on the Heat Relief Network, visit www.unitedwayofpinalcounty.org/heatrelief. Sign up to be a Heat Relief Partner and help your fellow neighbors through the summer months.
