Yesterday a representative from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health gave us the sad news that Phoenix had suffered its first heat-related death of 2021. A man was found dead inside his home during a welfare check in May.
This news coincides with the 2020 heat report, which the department just released. In 2020, Maricopa County suffered a record high of 323 heat-related deaths in 2020. This was 62% higher than was recorded in 2019.
The numbers are a 62% increase compared to 2019, and the highest since heat death tracking began in 2001.
Heat is the biggest weather-related cause of death in Arizona. From 2010 to 2020 there were 3091 heat-related deaths. There were 77 combined through dust, flood, lightning, wildfire, cold and wind.
“The tragedy of these deaths is that they are all preventable. No matter your age or how long you’ve lived in the Valley, none of us are immune to its effects. (The man) was found in his home during a welfare check, and it’s just a tragic reminder that we all need to check on our neighbors, on our loved ones, make sure that their air conditioning is functioning and turned on and that they’re doing OK ” Rebecca Sunenshine, Maricopa County medical director for disease control
The heat statistics
The most vulnerable people to heat-related deaths include older residents, homeless people, outdoor workers, and people who live in mobile homes or without functioning air conditioning.
59% of the deaths last year were people experiencing homelessness. Approximately 15% of last year’s heat deaths occurred indoors. Of these deaths, 82% had an air conditioner present. However, in two-thirds of these cases, the air conditioner wasn't functioning properly.
“The number of people who have died from heat in Arizona over the past year is a staggering increase over previous years. We believe that every one of those deaths is preventable.” David Hondula, an Arizona State University scientist who studies heat and health.
Last summer was Phoenix’s hottest summer on record. The city had 145 days above 100 degrees and 53 days above 110 degrees. Both of these were records. There was also a lack of monsoon rains making it also the driest summer on record.
As we head into summer, it is the peak time for heat-related deaths. Compounding matters is the fact that this year's temperatures are likely to be hotter than average, with a lot of 110-degree days.
How can we reduce heat-related deaths?
David Hondula, an Arizona State University scientist who studies heat and health, has said that “we are way behind in energy assistance” and home weatherization assistance for low-income people. He believes that all levels of government need to focus more on the risk of heat illness and death and contribute more funding.
“We need more institutionalization of what it is we doing for heat right now. We are still a bit uncoordinated and ad hoc, although there is a lot of great work happening. I think we need people who are focused on this problem.” David Hondula
To try and reduce the chance of heat exhaustion or stroke, the Arizona Department of Health Services recommends the following.
- Staying in air-conditioned buildings where possible
- Limiting any activity outdoors during the hottest part of the day
- Constantly checking in with friends, family, and neighbors that are at risk
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside
- Plan for cool-down recovery time in the shade after outdoor activity
- Always wear a hat outside
With a long hot summer ahead, please do take precautions. There are a lot more tips on Phoenix Summer Safety on the city's website.