Record heat has arrived in Phoenix. Heat can be dangerous, and when temperatures are above 100 degrees, it is important for everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated. Coupled with the public health concerns brought on by the COVID-19 health emergency (coronavirus), staying informed about the resources available to be heat ready is essential.
Due to the coronavirus, many of the regional hyd
ration stations and heat relief centers that would normally be in operation are not open, due to concerns about social distancing. Heat relief will be available at
12 Salvation Army centers across Maricopa County
. The organization's emergency heat relief stations are available to anyone in need of assistance cooling down. Additionally, Phoenix's Human Services Department (HSD) will also continue purchasing water and distributing it to community-based providers that work with vulnerable populations like the homeless and seniors.
“With the early start to high temperatures, we want to make sure water is available to the communities that need it most. Due to the state's stay-at-home order, city buildings usually open to distribute water and provide cool spaces on hot days are still closed, so making sure the people working with those in need have the water to hand out is crucial," Tamyra Spendley, HSD's Deputy Director said.
Last year, the city distributed over 500,000 bottles of water. It is through donations of funds that the city purchases and hands out water. Given the already urgent need for water, the city has already purchased 26 pallets of water to distribute through 35 community-based organizations.
To make a tax-deductible cash donation for water please call 602-677-6055.
