State agencies come together to protect Arizonans from extreme heat

File Photo By Jordan Evans/Cronkite News: To kick off Heat Awareness Week, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has launched heat.az.gov, the state’s first centralized heat resource.

ADHS launches website to streamline access to heat safety tips and resources

Contributed Article/Courtesy ADHS

PHOENIX — The State of Arizona is partnering with organizations statewide to spread heat awareness as the extreme heat season approaches. 

To highlight the importance of staying safe when temperatures rise, Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed Heat Awareness Week from May 5 to May 9 with the support of more than a dozen partners throughout the state.

The 2025 Heat Awareness Week unites key partners to amplify life-saving messages about the dangers of extreme heat. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. This year’s campaign will highlight practical strategies like staying hydrated, seeking shade, checking on vulnerable individuals, recognizing the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and checking on your neighbors.

To kick off Heat Awareness Week, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has launched heat.az.gov, the state’s first centralized heat resource.

“This website will permit all Arizonans to access the vital resources they need to stay protected from the heat. I am proud of the myriad of resources available due to our committed state partners. The site will be updated throughout the heat season as additional key resources are identified,” said Dr. Eugene Livar, the state’s Chief Heat Officer.

To amplify this message during Heat Awareness Week, organizations statewide are coming together to remind Arizonans of effective prevention strategies and resources as everyone works to keep themselves and their families safe from extreme heat.

During the comprehensive five-day campaign, messages will be shared on heat safety using the acronym (H.E.A.T.) that Arizonans can use to educate and repost. Each day has a designated theme:

Monday, May 5th: (H) Health

Tuesday, May 6th: (E) Environment/Weather

Wednesday, May 7th: (A) Awareness

Thursday, May 8th:  (T) Take Action

Friday, May 9th: Summary Overview 

Under the Governor’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan, our partners look forward to sharing the new and existing resources available to Arizonans this summer.

Our partners include the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Arizona Faith Network, Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona State University, the City of Phoenix, the City of Tempe, the Governor’s Office of Resiliency, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County, the National Weather Service, Pima County, Yuma County, and the University of Arizona.

To join the campaign, follow all of our partners on social media and spread the word with #HeatAwarenessWeek!