The death toll from high heat continues to rise in Maricopa County. The latest count shows 38 heat-related deaths so far this year. Ten happened indoors. That’s about one of every four heat-related deaths.
“The people who die indoors are typically older individuals who have underlying chronic medical conditions,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director at Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Sunenshine said many of those lack the ability to sense when they’re overheating. And most who died indoors last year didn’t have working air-conditioning.
“So it’s important that we go and we check on our neighbors, that their air-conditioning is turned on and that it’s working properly,” Sunenshine said.
The website heataz.com features resources to escape the heat, pay electric bills and get air-conditioners repaired.
