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Heat Safety and Resources for Seniors
May 1 – October 1
Like all of south-central Arizona, Fountain Hills experiences high temperatures from late spring to early fall. Most residents are used to these conditions, but many visitors still need to be. Although you may understand the seriousness of heat-related illnesses as a resident of Arizona, you may put yourself in danger if you don't follow the basic precautions.
The information provided on this page 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, which is crucial for your safety and well-being.
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 percent increase from the year before. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heat illness causes more deaths than hurricanes, lightening, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. In Arizona, 34 percent of heat related deaths occurred in older 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.
Tips to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
- Increase fluid intake regardless of activity level. Staying hydrated is extremely important.
- Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
- When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and re-apply 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.)
For more information about how you can avoid a heat-related illness, go to the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
Older Adults are More Vulnerable to Heat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states older adults, those aged 65 and older, are particularly vulnerable to heat illness. Age is a risk factor because older adults do not adjust as well to changes in temperature compared to when they were younger. They are also most likely to have a chronic medical condition that alters the body’s normal response to heat. Prescription medicine use is also common in older adults. Some prescription medicines can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or can inhibit perspiration.
Watch the newly released Arizona Department of Health Services Heat and Older Adults Safety Toolkit video. Older adults, nurses, caretakers, and family members can check out the video to learn the basics about heat illness prevention.