Phoenix Heat Safety for Seniors: First Summer Guide

Phoenix heat safety for seniors starts with three official tools: the Heat Relief Network map of free cooling sites (May 1 to September 30), National Weather Service Phoenix heat alerts, and 2-1-1 Arizona for help finding a site or a ride. Set those up, plus a working AC plan and daily check-ins, before your first summer.

I am Terry Day, REALTOR® with DeLex Realty. When someone buys a year-round or lock-and-leave home in the Valley, I like the first summer plan written down before closing day, not after the first long hot week. Below are the official sources and the home setup steps I review with buyers. It is not medical advice, so follow your doctor and the agencies linked below.

Use the official Heat Relief Network

Each year, MAG coordinates the regional Heat Relief Network with cities, nonprofits, faith groups and businesses. For 2026, Maricopa County announced that sites would open May 1 and run through September 30. The interactive map lists more than 200 locations, and you can filter by what you need and see hours, services and features such as pet-friendly sites.

Sites join and change hours during the season, so check the map the day you plan to go. If you would rather talk to a person, the county says 2-1-1 Arizona operators can help you find cooling centers, utility assistance and other resources, and transportation to and from sites is available for people who qualify.

The county also points out that libraries, malls and community centers are cooled public spaces you can use year-round, outside the network season.

Know what the heat alerts mean

The National Weather Service Phoenix heat page explains the alerts you will hear on the news:

• Extreme Heat Watch: Major or extreme HeatRisk is forecast, with moderate confidence.
• Extreme Heat Warning: Confidence in extreme heat is high.
• HeatRisk: A daily 0 to 4 color scale that weighs how far above normal the highs and overnight lows are and how long the heat lasts. It can flag risk even when no alert is out.

NWS Phoenix also notes that early-season heat in May can hit harder than the same temperature later in summer, because people are not yet used to it.

What official sources say about older adults and heat

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health lists adults 65 and older among the groups at higher risk, because the body regulates temperature less well with age, thirst can be weaker, and some medications and chronic conditions add risk. NWS Phoenix lists adults over 65 and people taking certain medications as well. Ask your own doctor or pharmacist how your prescriptions interact with heat.

From those official pages, the core guidance is:

• Use air conditioning whenever possible. The county notes fans alone may not be enough above 95 degrees.
• Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty, and follow your doctor's direction on fluids.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
• Do outdoor chores in the coolest part of the day, which NWS Phoenix puts at early morning.
• Set up a daily check-in plan with family, a neighbor or a caregiver, especially if you live alone.
• Call 9-1-1 if someone is confused, collapses or stops sweating. Those are emergency signs on the county page.

What to set up before your first summer

Whether you bought a single-level home in an age-restricted community or a seasonal place you leave in July, walk this list in spring:

1. Service the cooling system. Have a licensed HVAC company check it before peak heat, and ask about the age and condition of the unit.
2. Add shade where the sun hits hardest. Check blinds, sunscreens and patio shade on west- and south-facing glass, and test ceiling fans.
3. Plan for a power outage. Know where you would go (the Heat Relief Network map or a family member's home), keep water on hand, and check your HOA rules before buying a generator.
4. Sign up for utility alerts. SRP offers eNotes for outage, bill and high-use alerts. APS and SRP both have outage tools on their sites.
5. Pick a check-in partner. The county specifically recommends a daily check-in plan for older adults.
6. Save the numbers. 2-1-1 for resources, 9-1-1 for emergencies, and your HVAC company's after-hours line.

Some 55+ communities have clubhouses or recreation centers with set hours and guest rules. Check with your association. Those spaces are separate from the county network.

SRP and APS programs worth knowing

Your electric provider depends on the address. Both major Valley utilities run programs that matter in summer:

• SRP Medical Preparedness Program: For customers who need electricity to run qualifying medical life-support equipment at home. SRP notifies enrolled customers before planned outages. A physician must verify the need. Details are on the SRP Medical Preparedness page.
• APS Medical Care Program: For qualified customers with a life-threatening illness or who use essential electric medical equipment, including outage notifications. APS requires Energy Support approval first and a licensed medical professional's verification. See APS assistance programs.
• Income-qualified help: SRP lists an income-qualified discount, budget billing, home energy assessments and payment plans on its financial assistance page. APS lists Energy Support, crisis bill help, AC repair or replacement help for limited-income homeowners, and weatherization.
• Disconnections in heat: SRP's May 2026 blog says it will not disconnect power during an NWS Extreme Heat Warning, or for residential customers in July and August. Power used is still billed.

I do not list discount amounts or promise anyone qualifies. Call the utility for your account.

Seasonal homes and summer departures

If you head north for summer, the house still needs protection from heat. Schedule a pre-departure AC check, ask your HVAC tech what thermostat setting suits your system, arrange interior checks, and make sure someone local can shut off water. My closing up your Arizona home for summer checklist covers the full list, and the monsoon season tips for Arizona homeowners cover storm and outage prep for July through September.

When we tour homes, I can help you compare cooling equipment age, shade and window orientation as property features, so the summer plan starts with the house itself.

Questions people ask

Where is the official Maricopa County cooling center list?
Use the Heat Relief Network map linked from azmag.gov and maricopa.gov. It shows cooling centers, respite sites and hydration stations with hours, and it is updated as partners join during the season.

When do cooling centers open in Phoenix?
The Heat Relief Network season runs May 1 to September 30. Outside that window, the county points to libraries, malls and community centers as cooled public spaces.

Can 2-1-1 help me get to a cooling center?
Yes. Maricopa County says 2-1-1 Arizona operators help locate cooling sites and utility assistance, and transportation to and from sites is available based on eligibility.

What is the difference between an Extreme Heat Watch and Warning?
NWS Phoenix issues a watch when major or extreme HeatRisk is forecast with moderate confidence, and a warning when confidence is high.

I use oxygen or other powered medical equipment. What should I do?
Ask your utility about its medical program (SRP Medical Preparedness or APS Medical Care) and talk with your doctor about a backup plan. Both programs require medical verification.

Can Terry help me find a home with solid summer systems?
Yes. Tell me whether the home will be year-round or seasonal, and we will put AC condition and shade at the top of the tour list.