Mayor, City Officials Call for Increased Assistance from County, State, and Federal Officials to Combat Heat Emergency

​This morning, Mayor Kate Gallego and Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira along with the Phoenix Fire Department, Department of Emergency Management, Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, and the Office Homeless Solutions, provided a recap of the City’s summer heat relief efforts. 

Phoenix leaders highlighted the City’s collaborative approach to address the urgent heat-related issues facing residents, including those experiencing homelessness.  

“Across our state, we have to treat extreme heat as a public health hazard—just like other states and communities have to prepare for harsh weather such as blizzards, hurricanes, and flooding,” Gallego said in her remarks.“Though Phoenix stepped up in unprecedented ways this summer to save hundreds of lives, it’s clear we need other levels of government to provide additional resources and support to this cause. Our summers are only growing hotter and more intense—and it’s past due that we treat heat like the emergency it is.”   

Key City of Phoenix efforts this summer included:  

• Strong collaboration between the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, Office of Homeless Solutions, Office of Public Health, Office of Emergency Management, and Fire Department; 
• Opening extended-hour and 24-hour cooling and respite centers with wraparound services and connections to community resources; 
• Using solar-powered, air-conditioned shipping containers for auxiliary heat relief and transitional shelter space; 
• Phased opening of the Phoenix Navigation Center to accommodate 100 people during the dangerous summer heat;  
• Continued management of the Safe Outdoor Space, a structured campground where people experiencing homelessness can camp in shaded areas with access to basic necessities and services to help them end their homelessness; 
• Operating more than 60 cooling centers and hydration stations as part of the Maricopa County Heat Relief Network; 
• Distributing grant funds and heat relief supplies, including more than 1 million water bottles, to community-based organizations and heat relief network locations; and 
• Adopting a heat safety ordinance that protects workers of city-contracted businesse

“Phoenix Fire is proud to report th​at these efforts have made a significant impact by proactively addressing the needs of our community, we have seen a notable reduction in 911 calls related to heat emergencies,” Executive Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief Tim Kreis added.“This not only eases the strain on our emergency services but also ensures that resources are available for those in critical need.” 

Office of Emergency Management Director, Brian Lee said, “This coordinated response involves collaboration with local agencies, non-profits, and community organizations. Together, we have developed a robust communication plan to ensure that residents know where to go for relief and how to access resources.” Lee added, “As we move forward, we will continue to assess and adapt our strategies to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our community effectively.” 

"One of the most important things we incorporated this summer was including navigation services for people experiencing homelessness at all five of our extended hour and overnight heat relief sites,” said Rachel Milne, Office of Homeless Solutions Director.“Our dedicated teams, along with our partner, Community Bridges Inc., were at each site to help individuals connect with resources beyond heat relief, like housing or shelter. Being available at those sites helped hundreds of people and families this summer take the next step towards ending their homelessness.” 

“The regional heat relief work was absolutely more coordinated this year than it has ever been before,” said Dave Hondula, Director of Phoenix’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. “Although we had a record number of heat records this summer, I’m very confident there’s been a significant and positive public health impact from this heat relief work. Lives were saved and lives were changed.” 

Data from Heat Relief Centers: 

• 92% of visitors reported they were experiencing homelessness; 
• 893 individuals placed, including 92 children into housing, shelter, treatment, Safe Outdoor Space or facilitated reconnection s with family; 
  
• 5,309 visits in respite and extended-hour cooling centers (based on intake forms received); 
  
• Returning visitors account for 67% of intake forms; 
  
• 690 visitors utilized the CoolTainer since Aug. 1, when the visitor number collection began; 
  
• 1,026 visitors received direct onsite assistance from Community Bridges Inc (CBI) with various shelter or homeless solutions referrals; and  
  
• 26 visitors required additional follow up for their referral, which was submitted by the Office of Emergency Management on their behalf. 

Data from the Phoenix Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management:  

• 1,416 heat related calls for service, a 20 percent decrease in heat-related calls citywide compared to last summer; 
• Cooling bags were used more than 300 times from May 1 to October 1. 

“Our first responders and City staff have been nothing short of heroic and innovative throughout this summer’s extreme heat,” District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien said. “Their unwavering dedication to protecting and serving our community – whether providing emergency care, distributing water, or checking on vulnerable residents – has been truly inspiring. Our Fire Department was innovative in developing a new method to rapidly cool individuals experiencing symptoms of heat stroke – saving the lives of hundreds. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s tireless efforts in keeping Phoenix safe." 

"This year’s heat relief initiatives reflect the resilience and commitment of our city and residents. Thanks to community support, we’ve been able to reach thousands in need,” District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado said. “Yet, as the temperatures continue to rise, so must our efforts. We will keep working to enhance access and expand services wherever it is needed in the City of Phoenix.” 

“The implementation of cooling and respite centers was beneficial in aiding Phoenix residents during the hot summer months. I am grateful for the multi-departmental collaboration and response to tackle this issue that’s both heat and health related,” District 7 Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira said. “Heat deaths are preventable, and I call on our federal partners to understand the urgency of working with Phoenix in establishing best practices and a coordinated response to saving lives.”