Hundreds of heat relief stations are opening around the Valley for people in need of shade, water, air-conditioning, and more.
The Maricopa County Association of Governments (MAG) and its partners are launching the annual regional Heat Relief Network offering various resources including drinking water, indoor areas with air-conditioning, and places to rest. Other sites are used as donation collection sites for items like water, clothing, sunblock, etc.
The network is a much-needed set of resources, especially after summer 2022, which was the deadliest on record in terms of heat-related fatalities, according to statistics. Data shows 425 people died during the six-month heat season last year.
See the full list of locations offering resources and relief or click here to see a map.
MAG says the map and directories are updated as new partners sign up throughout the summer season, which runs from May 1 to September 30.
Other services, resources, donations and volunteer opportunities
- Cool Callers: The City of Phoenix has volunteers that give registered community members calls to verify they are safe and their homes are cool. To sign up for the calls, click here.
- We’re Cool Heat Relief Outreach: Help connect residents to city services, especially those in parks, underserved communities, transit locations, etc. Sign up to help here.
- Free transportation to a heat-relief center: 2-1-1 Arizona and Arizona Public Service partnered up to offer free rides to cooling centers and emergency relief stations during summer months.
- Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers at its heat relief stations. For more information, you can contact your local Salvation Army location or call 602-267-4100.