More Heat Relief Stations Opening Across Metro Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ — With Phoenix facing one of its hottest weeks of the year, the Salvation Army is ramping up heat relief services across the Valley.

Starting this month, the organization will activate added heat relief services at its metro Phoenix locations any day the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning, running from May through September.

Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on those days, locations will offer indoor cooling, hydration, extra signage and, at some sites, outdoor canopies for water distribution.

The services are available on weekends but not federal holidays.

Maricopa County has averaged more than 250 heat-associated deaths per year since 2014, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments.

On warning days, Salvation Army staff also take water directly into surrounding neighborhoods, and mobile hydration units fan out across additional parts of the metro area.

The organization says it distributes nearly 1,500 bottles of water per day during Excessive Heat Warnings, and thousands more throughout the year.

Active heat relief locations span eight Valley communities, including Apache Junction, Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Surprise and Tempe.

Phoenix sites include the Phoenix Citadel Corps at 628 N. Third Ave., the Maryvale Corps at 4318 W. Clarendon Ave., the Ray & Joan Kroc Center Phoenix at 1375 E. Broadway Road, and the Phoenix Family Services Office at 2707 E. Van Buren St.

One detail worth knowing: most locations will welcome leashed dogs on Excessive Heat Warning days, as long as the site has a separate room for pets.

Residents who want to help can donate online, drop off cases of water at any heat relief station, or volunteer by calling 602-267-4100.

The Salvation Army also encouraged neighbors to check on anyone nearby who may be at risk, particularly elderly residents and those without air conditioning.