Heat Safety Tips An illustration of a woman with tan skin, a pink top, and black hair shows her wiping away sweat under a bright yellow sun.

As the long summer kicks off in Arizona, it is a great time to remind yourself about how to best take care of yourself and the people you care for during high-heat days. Here are some heat safety tips to help you.

Whether you are caring for a senior or a person with a disability, high temperatures can pose a dangerous threat. You can help prevent heat-related emergencies by keeping yourself and the people you provide care for cool, watching for signs of heat-related illness, and following best practices for dealing with the heat.

Heat safety tips to help stay cool

Wear cool clothing, such as light-fitting cotton. Hats and sunglasses are a must to help protect from the harsh sun.
Take breaks. When possible, find breaks from the heat and sun by finding shade or by visiting any of Maricopa County’s Heat Relief Sites. You can find an interactive map of Heat Relief Sites in Maricopa County. Cooling and respite centers can be community centers, churches, and other community-based organizations that provide water and serve as a safe, cool indoor place during the day for refuge from the heat.
Taking breaks in a pool or at an aquatic center is a great way to find relief from the heat, too! Check out Ability360's Aquatic Centers at the Sports & Fitness Center or at Telephone Pioneer Park.
Use 30 SPF+ sunscreen whenever doing anything outdoors and make sure to reapply every two hours or as needed.
Drink plenty of fluids. Ensure you and the people you care for are hydrated. Water, fruit, or vegetable juice is ideal for hydration.
Check in: If the person you care for lives alone, consider checking in to ensure they are safe from high temperatures. If the person is with you, ask them how they feel and be ready to help them cool off.