With 100-degree temperatures hitting the Valley, Tempe is asking residents to stay cool and get prepared for the coming hot summer months, with the city opening its cooling centers for residents to take advantage of.
Cooling center sites are open citywide and the city's mobile cooling trailer hits the road this month to expand services for those experiencing homelessness, according to a city release.
Tempe encourages residents who need assistance with rent and utility bills or emergency home repairs to connect with community resources. City, county and state funds are available to income-qualified residents to ensure that those in need can stay safe this summer, the release stated.
Cooling center sites, resources, safety tips and more can all be found at tempe.gov/HeatRelief .
Cooling center locations
All residents can visit a city or community heat relief site. Cool off in building lobbies and hydrate using drinking fountains or available bottled water, according to the release.
Locations open now are:
Cahill Senior Center, 715 W. 5th St.
- 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Escalante Community Center, 2150 E. Orange St.
- 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday
- 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday
- 1 p.m.-6 p.m., Sunday
Kiwanis Recreation Center, 6111 S. All America Way
- 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday
- 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday
- 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends
North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, 1555 N. Bridalwreath St.
- 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday
Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave.
- 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday
Westside Multi-Generational Center, 715 W. 5th St.
- 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday
The following locations at faith-based centers will open on May 10:
University Presbyterian Church, 139 E Alameda Drive (Hours are subject to change and include some closures, see the May schedule here .)
- 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday
- 2-7 p.m., Sunday
Tempe Church of Christ, 2424 S. Mill Ave. (only through July 21)
- 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday
- 2:30-7 p.m., Sunday
The Church of Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Road (only through July 21)
- 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday
- 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday
Community Christian Church, 701 S. College Ave. (July 22 to Sept. 30)
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday
- 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday
- 1:30-7:30 p.m., Sunday
Heat safety best practices
Tempe is experiencing hotter temperatures earlier in the spring, later in the fall and for longer periods of time. Some are impacted more than others by heat, particularly unsheltered people, older adults, youth, outdoor workers and those in low-income households.
Each year, nearly 3,000 people visit the state’s emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses and some of those result in death, the release stated. Just last year, there were 645 heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County, up from 425 the previous year.
Here are some ways to keep yourself, family and pets safe, according to the city:
- Drink plenty of water, even if you're not thirsty;
- Take breaks in the shade or in air conditioning;
- Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat;
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device;
- Keep your head covered and reapply sunblock every two hours;
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors daily;
- Check your local news for excessive heat warnings; and
- Never leave children or pets in the car.
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