Like all south-central Arizona, Fountain Hills experiences high temperatures from late spring to early fall.

Most residents are accustomed to these conditions, but many visitors may not be. Although one may understand the seriousness of heat-related illnesses as a resident of Arizona, people may put themself in danger by not following basic precautions.

The information provided in this article has been gathered from various resources, including the Maricopa County Health Department, the City of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and the Arizona Department of Health Services. It is crucial to the safety and well-being of residents. The information has been provided to The Times Independent by the Town of Fountain Hills.

Extreme heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States. In Maricopa County alone, nearly 650 heat-related deaths occurred in 2023, a 52% increase from the prior year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heat illness causes more deaths than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. In Arizona, 34% of heat related deaths occurred in adults over the age of 65.

The Town of Fountain Hills created this information page as a resource to help residents stay safe during the hottest months of the year.

Avoiding heat illness

Heat illness occurs when the body becomes too hot and is no longer able to regulate its own temperature. There are several types of heat illness: three of the most common are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following steps can help prevent heat illness.

*Increase fluid intake regardless of activity level. Staying hydrated is extremely important. Water refill taps are located at restrooms in Fountain Hills town parks and trailheads (FH Botanical Garden exception).

*Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

*When outdoors, wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and reapply often. Wear a hat, lightweight clothing and sunglasses.

*Rest frequently in shady or cool areas to give the body’s temperature a chance to recover and cool down.

*Never leave adults, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

*Respectfully check on elderly neighbors to make sure their air conditioning is working and in use.

*If possible, take advantage of free air conditioning by visiting locations like the library to read a book, Community Center and join in the activities offered or go to a movie theater. (These locations are not designated as official cooling stations.)

Visit azdhs/heat for more information on heat related illness.

The Times Independent invites readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Bob Burns can be reached at bburns@iniusa.org.