AVONDALE, Ariz. — The heat is on ... and the city of Avondale has launched a heat relief plan for residents who are trying to stay cool. The program kicked off today and offers several cooling and hydration stations at city libraries and the Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center through September 30.
The resource center will be a designated cooling station to combat heat-related issues and will also be open during the weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avondale’s two city libraries and WeRide micro-transit vehicles will now be equipped with water for residents seeking hydration.
This week the Valley has seen temperatures rise into the 90s with no sign of relief. While extreme heat is not uncommon for Arizona residents, officials urge people to limit outdoor activities and increase daily fluid intake.
"Avondale understands the importance of proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable population," said Chris Lopez, director of Neighborhood and Family Services. "Residents are advised to increase their fluid intake, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and seek shade whenever possible. Moreover, we encourage community members to check on elderly neighbors and assist those in need during extreme heat events,"
To expand the impact of heat relief efforts the city and the Avondale Police Department are working on establishing a hotline dedicated to heat-related calls. The police department will also be equipped with water for residents and information on cooling and hydration stations throughout the city.
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Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
