In 2023, 645 people died from heatstroke in metro Phoenix, breaking the record set the previous year. The heat wave in 2023 not only broke previous records, but also increased by 52%.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health released this information and more in a 23-page report Wednesday. of 2023 Heat-Related Mortality Report It produced detailed statistics, problems identified and solutions identified, with the aim of reducing the number of deaths, which it said were “mostly preventable”.
Here’s what you need to know about the upward trend in heat-related deaths over the past decade and the county’s plan to combat it.
What does the report say?
Maricopa County reported the following from May to September 2023:
- There were 645 heat-related deaths.
- An average of 13 people died every day in July.
- 71% of fatal accidents occurred on days when the National Weather Service issued a heat warning.
- 65% of deaths involved substances such as drugs and alcohol.
- Since 2014, heat-related deaths have increased by more than 900%, with 61 deaths in 2014.
Maricopa County:645 heat-related deaths in metro Phoenix in 2023
Who is most at risk?
People over the age of 50, who are homeless, or who have physical or mental health problems are at the highest risk of heatstroke and death.
Unhoused people account for nearly two-thirds of heatstroke deaths, and residents of mobile home parks also face significant risk. Continuous outdoor exposure and being indoors without air conditioning affected people the most.
Public health officials advised people to check on the safety of elderly people and people living alone in their communities.
What resources are available?
Since 2014, Phoenix has established 117 heat treatment centers, providing air-conditioned indoor spaces with water and a place to rest for residents. These relief centers, or “cooling centers,” are often libraries, churches, senior centers, and community centers.
According to Another report from the Department of Public Health Announced in February, these centers have distributed more than 400,000 water bottles and enabled nearly 30,000 people to receive heat protection supplies in 2023.
According to reports, 80% of visitors to heat relief centers were people experiencing homelessness. More than a quarter of those who arrived were treated for symptoms of heatstroke.
A map showing the exact location of cooling centers in the Valley will be published on May 1 at: maricopa.gov/1871/extreme heat.
What’s the next step?
The report said opening more relief centres, increasing opening hours and expanding the reach of assistance could help keep people safe.
All relief centers were advised to open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. whenever possible. Community members can also help by volunteering at nearby relief centers and donating supplies.
The report cited the need for provision of naloxone, an emergency treatment used for opioid overdoses, and training for emergency center staff.
The ministry also advised on placing information on cooling centers on public buses and the possibility of setting up bilingual call centers to provide information.
pet safety
In addition to human resources, Maricopa County will donate dog shoes and water bowls to the heat response center during the summer.
$8,000 in funding for this was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday. It will be offered through the Maricopa County Community Solutions Fund through Oct. 31.
