Stage 1
Heat Cramps
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Heavy sweating during activity
- Fatigue, weakness
Do: Move to shade or AC. Sip cool water. Stop activity. Stretch the cramp gently.
Maricopa County · Year-Round
When Phoenix hits triple digits, knowing where to go can change the day. Cooling centers, hydration stations, and 24/7 respite locations across Maricopa County — plus the signs of heat illness everyone should know.
The Map
Year-round cooling centers, summer hydration stations, and 24/7 respite locations across Maricopa County. Data live from the Maricopa Association of Governments.
Source: Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Heat Relief Network. Cooling centers operate year-round; hydration stations and 24/7 respite operate seasonally May–September. Open the live map → View Maricopa County Heat Surveillance →
Recognize the Signs
Three stages. Each more dangerous than the last. Knowing the signs — and the response — matters.
Stage 1
Do: Move to shade or AC. Sip cool water. Stop activity. Stretch the cramp gently.
Stage 2
Do: Get to AC. Sip cool water. Apply cool, wet cloths. If symptoms worsen or last over an hour, call 9-1-1.
Stage 3 — Medical Emergency
Call 9-1-1 immediately. Move to a cool place. Apply cool cloths or ice (neck, armpits, groin). Do not give fluids if unconscious or unable to drink safely.
Who is most at risk?
In Maricopa County, certain populations face higher risk during extreme heat — and benefit most from a connected response.
Bodies regulate heat less effectively with age, and many common medications worsen the effect.
Construction, landscaping, delivery, agriculture. Long sun exposure with limited breaks.
Limited shade, AC, and water access. Highest heat-related mortality rate in Maricopa County.
Higher metabolic rate, less ability to communicate distress. Never leave a child in a parked car.
Heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, mental health conditions. Many medications increase heat sensitivity.
Runners, hikers, cyclists. Mid-day exertion in 100°F+ heat carries serious risk — even for the well-trained.
Source: Maricopa County Department of Public Health Heat Surveillance
The Network
The Heat Relief Network connects nonprofits, churches, libraries, and city facilities into a coordinated regional response. Hydrate PHX is part of it.
Year-round · Daytime hours
Indoor, air-conditioned spaces — libraries, community centers, senior centers. Free water, restrooms, a place to sit. Open to everyone.
May–September · Daytime hours
Free water distributed at churches, nonprofits, transit hubs, and community organizations. Quick refill, no questions asked. Hydrate PHX cartons go here.
Around-the-clock · Phoenix area
Indoor rest, AC, water, and restrooms when no other shelter is available. Limited capacity. Call 2-1-1 for current locations and intake details.
May–September
Locations that accept donated bottled water and fans for redistribution to those most at risk. Want to host one or drop a donation?
Need Help Now?
Life-threatening emergency
Heat stroke. Loss of consciousness. Severe symptoms. Call first — cool the person while you wait for help.
Resources · 24/7 · Multilingual
Cooling-center information, shelter, food, utility assistance, transportation. Free service across Arizona.
After-hours respite
Maricopa County Crisis Response Network. Connects callers to 24/7 respite, behavioral health, and emergency shelter.
If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 first. While waiting, move them to a cool place, apply cool cloths or ice to the neck, armpits, and groin, and loosen tight clothing. Do not give fluids to anyone who is unconscious or unable to drink safely.
Learn More
Public-health and emergency-management organizations with current, verified guidance on extreme heat.
Federal heat-safety guidance, signs, and response protocols.
Maricopa County weekly heat-illness and mortality reporting during heat season.
Live forecasts, heat watches, warnings, and advisories from National Weather Service Phoenix.
Federal workplace heat-exposure guidance for workers and employers.
State-level heat safety, vulnerable-population resources, and surveillance reporting.
Heat preparedness guides and household response training.
Hydrate PHX funds free water cartons distributed across the Heat Relief Network and at community events all summer. Sponsors fund production. Volunteers run distribution. The Phoenix community keeps everyone hydrated.