PHOENIX — Brutal high temperatures are one of the biggest health hazards the Valley is facing. In response, Maricopa County has expanded its network of cooling centers and hydration stations for people in need.
Cooling centers are available across the Valley with most located in and around Central Phoenix. To find a cooling center in your area, you can search online at https://hrn.azmag.gov/.
If you need help finding or getting to a heat relief site, you can also call 211 for assistance.
These heat relief sites will be open from May 1 to Sept. 30.
According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office, over 640 people died of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County last summer.
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Phoenix city officials said this is the first summer Phoenix is extending hours to their cooling centers and adding five more centers this year.
The City of Phoenix is adding two overnight cooling centers for the summer: Burton Barr Library in downtown Phoenix and Senior Opportunities West near 7th Avenue and Buckeye.
Burton Barr will be open 24/7, city officials said. The senior center will only be open overnight hours. The capacity of both centers is set at 50 people, according to the City of Phoenix 2024 heat plan.
Since opening the extended hour and overnight facilities on May 1, the city has seen nearly 4,000 visits and anticipates higher volumes in the hotter months.
You can learn more about Maricopa County's Heat Relief Network at azmag.gov/Programs/Heat-Relief-Network.
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HEAT BEAT
Here are several videos about Arizona's extreme heat and how you can stay safe during the state's summer months.