PHOENIX — In the middle of the desert, in Maricopa County, summer is the most brutal time. This year, temperatures reached 100 degrees or over for 142 days, according to the National Weather Service.
To combat heat struggles, the Maricopa Association of Governments implemented a heat-relief network of centers to provide everyone with the care needed to brave some of the hottest temperatures in the United States.
Heat in the Phoenix metro is no joke, and many people have died from the blazing-hot temperatures, making this program vital for communities in Maricopa County. As of Oct. 12, 389 people have died from complications this year, according to the county.
As of Oct. 9, 35,309 people visited the respite and extended-hour cooling centers in Phoenix, according to a city report .
MAG Human Services Planner Cleo Warner said heat-relief centers are organized in four categories.
- Cooling centers, Warner said, are air-conditioned spaces where volunteers and workers offer water.
- Respite centers are indoor, air-conditioned spaces with water and a place to rest and recuperate; they are equipped with a restroom, charging stations, food and medical checkups.
- Hydration stations can be indoor or outdoor stations that provide cool water.
- Collection and donation sites exist for the other centers that help them continue to provide care.