but, Phoenix weather is getting coolerThe number of heat-related deaths continues to rise, approaching 300.
Latest weekly fever report The Maricopa County Department of Public Health reported 289 confirmed heat-related deaths for the week of September 10-16.
This is an increase of 87 compared to the previous week (202), when heat-related deaths were confirmed.
The county reported that 149 of those deaths were due to heat, and 140 of those deaths were heat-related. As of the latest report, a total of 262 deaths remain under investigation by the county. This represents a decrease of 94 deaths under investigation compared to the previous report. Heat-related deaths are defined by the county as deaths indirectly caused by heat. Heat-related deaths are defined by the county as deaths directly caused by heat or exposure to heat.
Most heat-related deaths occurred outdoors, with only 74, or 26%, occurring indoors. Of the indoor fatalities, 63 occurred with air conditioners in place, and 52 of those involved non-functioning air conditioners. Ten cases occurred in areas without air conditioning, and one death occurred in areas with unknown air conditioning.
The disparity between those affected in unhoused communities and those affected in housing communities remained relatively even. Of the deaths, 46% occurred in residential communities, 44% in unhoused locations, and 10% were unknown.
With 30% of deaths occurring in the elderly, they remain the most affected by the heat. By ethnicity, non-Hispanic whites accounted for 57% of heatstroke deaths.
At this time in 2022, only 209 heat-related deaths were reported in the county.
hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services offered tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Drink water: If you stay indoors all day, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. People who spend time outdoors should drink 1-2 liters for every hour they are outdoors.
- Please dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed areas of skin, and it is recommended to wear a hat or use a parasol when outdoors.
- Eat smaller meals and more frequently: We recommend avoiding high-protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
- Monitor people at risk: Check for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in friends, family, and others.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous exercise: We recommend strenuous exercise only during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
- please stay indoors
- Take breaks when doing physical activity: When you are active outdoors on a hot day, take breaks in a cool area.
hiking tips
Phoenix offers the following safety precautions for hikers to take when entering the trail.
- Be aware of the weather: Yes, it's “dry and hot.” But Arizona temperatures can be deceptive and deadly. Hike when it's cold outside and try early mornings and evenings when there's more shade.
- Appropriate clothing: Wear appropriate shoes, clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
- Bring water: Stay hydrated before you set off. Make sure you have enough water on hand than you think you will need. Before I finish half my water, I turn around and head back to the trailhead.
- Stay in touch: Bring your cell phone with you.
- Team up: Hike with others. If you're hiking alone, tell someone your start and end times and location.
- Be honest, do you have a medical condition? Do you have asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or hip problems? Don't overdo it! “Even trained athletes can be caught off guard and dehydrated on Arizona's trails.”
- Don't be a pioneer: Enjoy the beautiful, undeveloped landscape of the Sonoran Desert. However, please ride on designated trails.
- Be responsible: Don’t be “that guy.” Those who were unprepared, for health reasons or who ignored safety guidelines should not have been there. Be a responsible hiker and hike properly.
From the City of Phoenix: Go hiking. Do it properly.
