Staying Hydrated and Safe: Heat Safety Tips for Ahwatukee Families This Summer

Phoenix summers are no joke, and June is just the beginning of sustained heat that will last through August. Ahwatukee families should already be thinking about heat safety: staying hydrated, limiting outdoor time during peak hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and making sure elderly neighbors and pets have access to cool spaces and water.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious, and young children and older adults are especially vulnerable. Keep an eye on friends and neighbors during hot spells, check that your air conditioning is working well before the peak of summer, and never leave anyone, child or pet, in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Simple steps make a real difference: wear light-colored, loose clothing when you're outside; use sunscreen; and if you feel faint, dizzy, or unusually tired in the heat, move to air conditioning and drink water. The Ahwatukee community is strong when neighbors look out for each other, so don't hesitate to check in on folks you know who might be struggling with the heat.