Bookmark the Heat Relief Network Map Now

To combat the severe impact of extreme heat, several government officials, organizations, and agencies have developed the Heat Relief Network, including an interactive map. This initiative aims to help Phoenix and Maricopa County residents find relief from dangerous heat conditions.

In 2023, Axios reports, “early 650 people died of heat-related causes in Maricopa County – a 52% increase over 2022.” The Heat Relief Network Map shows individuals across Maricopa County where they can find inside cooling areas, shade, and water during the scorching hot summer months. This network and map will be available from May to October each year to help residents and visitors access the 124+ locations around the county. It will even show people where they can voluntarily take bottled water for the public to have. The number of sites on the map is expected to grow as more organizations sign up and are approved.

The dangers of heat

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious conditions and illness, potentially resulting in life threatening situations or personal injury claims. Common heat-related conditions include:

• Heat stroke: A heat stroke may occur when your body overheats. This is one of the most serious types of heat-related conditions, which happens when you are exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time. If your body temperature goes above 103 degrees, you are likely to experience a heat stroke. This type of heat-related condition requires immediate medical attention. Failure to get the required medical attention may result in damage to your organs, such as your heart, kidneys, brain, and more.
• Dehydration: Results from excessive sweating and insufficient fluid intake. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may necessitate hospitalization.
• Heat exhaustion: It is less severe than heat stroke but can escalate if untreated. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
• Heat cramps: These are muscle spasms that occur when a person spends too much time in a hot environment. These types of cramps can be very painful and affect various areas of the body, such as the stomach, arms, legs, back, and more. A person is likely to have heat cramps if they sweat a lot and fail to replace their lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Heat rash: A less severe condition that may arise in an extremely hot environment is heat rash. When a person has a heat rash, they may notice bumps or blisters on their skin, which can become inflamed, itchy, and painful. Most of the time, a heat rash will go away on its own, but if it becomes severe, you may need to visit a licensed healthcare provider for medical treatment.

Signs of a heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion

We are lawyers, not doctors, so always consult a physician with questions. But we want to make it easier on you, so we did some research for you. For more details, check out the National Weather Service, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Mayo Clinic. For now, here’s a quick roundup of what these sources say:

Heat stroke:

• Body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
• Slurred speech
• Confusion or irritability
• Dry, hot, or moist skin
• Fast breathing and heartbeat
• Inability to think clearly, focus, or concentrate
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Severe headaches

Dehydration:

• Extremely thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Coughing
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle cramps
• Dry or cool skin
• Chills
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Not sweating much or at all
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat or breathing
• Fainting
• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Feeling confused, irritable, or dazed

Heat exhaustion:

• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness or fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Fast or weak pulse rate
• Moist and cool skin with chill bumps

What to do if you develop a heat-related illness or condition in high temperatures

If you experience heat-related symptoms, rest in a cool place, drink water, and seek shade or air conditioning. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, call 9-1-1 and go to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention.

Phoenix workers are at high risk of developing these conditions

Last year, Phoenix experienced an entire month of 110+ degrees, which was the city’s hottest summer ever. Therefore, many residents in the area are bracing for another blazing hot summer. During this time, it is important to remember that many workers are required to perform strenuous tasks in the sweltering heat, such as lifting heavy equipment, standing for long hours, and assembling and breaking down objects. As a result, they are at high risk of developing heat-related conditions and illnesses. Some of the most common types of workers who may be at risk of a heat stroke, dehydration, or heat exhaustion are:

• Construction workers
• Firefighters
• Police officers
• Farmers
• Factory workers
• Miners
• Landscapers
• Utility workers
• Lifeguards
• Travel guides
• Coaches
• EMTs and paramedics

Elderly workers, those with serious medical conditions, or those on specific medications are at higher risk.

Another thing to consider is your kids and pets! The lawyers at Plattner Verderame are all parents (and grandparents), and we know the annual Phoenix-Parent-Summer-Struggle: You don’t want your kids on the couch in front of screens all day, but it’s hotter than heck out there. Even if you find cool activities (splash pads, libraries, museums), make sure you’re all drinking lots of water around the clock.

If you or a loved one suffer heat-related injuries or illnesses due to extreme heat exposure, the personal injury lawyers at Plattner Verderame, P.C. are here to assist you. We know and understand that individuals can develop heat-related injuries and conditions from working, playing sports, and participating in recreational activities in very hot temperatures. When you hire our team to represent your case, we will help you collect evidence to show that your school, employer, coach, or another party was negligent and should be held liable for any heat-related injuries or illnesses you sustained. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free and confidential case review in Phoenix or Tempe today.