Grand Canyon Times

The American Red Cross is collaborating with various organizations to ensure community safety during extreme heat events this summer. Edgar Olivo, a guest blogger, discusses the importance of protecting communities from the leading weather-related hazard in the United States.

According to the National Weather Service, heat causes more deaths annually than any other weather event. Last summer, Maricopa County recorded 645 heat-related deaths, the highest ever in Arizona. This trend is expected to continue as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme heat events.

To address this issue, the American Red Cross partners with organizations such as the Arizona Department of Health Services, Maricopa County Public Health, and local tribal organizations. These partnerships focus on aligning messaging, sharing resources, and training volunteers to enhance community resilience against extreme heat.

In June, volunteers including board members, employees, nursing students from Alverno College, and local community members canvassed around 200 homes in Tolleson to distribute vital heat safety information. The collaboration aims to make communities safer and highlight the strength of these partnerships.

The initiative includes distributing 125,000 door hangers across high-risk areas in Arizona to raise awareness about extreme heat dangers and connect residents with local resources. This effort supports existing local initiatives like the “211” hotline and Heat Relief Networks.

The Red Cross’ Heat Relief Canvass Strategy involves engaging residents through doorstep conversations about heat safety measures and distributing door hangers with valuable resources. Outreach efforts target high-risk neighborhoods identified using extreme heat vulnerability maps. Volunteers are provided with guides and resources for effective canvassing.

Public involvement is encouraged to support these efforts by volunteering to canvass neighborhoods, supporting cooling centers, distributing materials, and engaging with community members. The goal is to prevent heat-related deaths and build resilient communities.

Olivo concludes by urging everyone to join in ensuring no one faces extreme heat dangers alone: "Together, we can ensure no one faces the dangers of extreme heat alone."