Getting outside and exercising is incredibly important for physical and mental health but with our intense heat, it’s important to know how to prevent getting sick, the signs of heat-related illnesses and what to do if someone is showing symptoms.

View the bottom of the section for more information on the regional Heat Relief Network, a regional initiative aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Prevention

 Signs and Symptoms

Treatment

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Keep the person lying down
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Quickly cool the body with water and ice, if available
• Watch for signs of breathing problems

Heat Relief Network

As higher temperatures begin to return to the Valley, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) are launching the 2025 Heat Relief Network, a regional initiative aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths. The Heat Relief Network will provide free, cooled spaces and other resources to the public through September 30, offering critical support throughout the hottest months of the year.

Buckeye is home to two Cooling Centers, the Coyote and Downtown Libraries plus numerous Hydrations Stations in downtown Buckeye. You can view the Heat Relief Map (below) to get more detailed information the Cooling Centers and find other locations throughout the county.

Monsoon storms bring welcomed relief from the summer heat, but they can also be dangerous. Lightning, damaging winds, dust storms, heavy rain and flooding can cause major problems for you, your home, car, pets and livestock.

During the monsoon, Buckeye Public Works makes sand available for residents to fill their own sandbags at four locations across Buckeye. Residents must bring their own bags and shovel which are readily available at local hardware stores.

•  Fire Station 702 - 1911 S. Rainbow Rd.
• Fire Station 704 - 27360 W. Wagner Complex Dr.
• Fire Station 705 - 30551 W. Tartesso Pkwy.
• Public Works - 23454 W. MC 85

Before a Storm

• Trim tree branches away from your home
• Get sandbags prepared if you live in a flood prone area
• Prepare yourself and your family by creating an emergency kit
  • Include supplies to stay in your home for up to three days without electricity
  • Test and refresh your battery supply for flashlights, fans, cell phone charges, etc.
  • Have a first aid kit with necessary medications
• Monitor the weather and be prepared for a storm

As the Storm Approaches

• Stay inside
• Unplug expensive and non-essential electronics
  • A surge protector will not save your equipment from a lightning strike
• Bring your pets indoors
• Monitor latest weather conditions from a trusted source

During a Storm

• Stay away from windows, doors and your porch
• Avoid using any plumbing because it can conduct electricity from a lightning strike
• Don’t touch electronic equipment like TVs, computers, etc.
  • Remote controls and wireless computers are ok to use
• While driving, slow down. If visibility gets too low, pull over and turn off all lights and your engine
• Do not drive in flooded roads or washes, a few inches of fast moving water will carry your vehicle

After the Storm

• Check your home and property for damage
  • Take photos/videos and report damage to your insurance company
• Stay away from flooded areas, including detention basins
  • They have many hidden dangers like: debris and pollution from the road, chemicals from pesticide, animal waste and trash

• Underrated monsoon killer
• Walls of dust can be 100 miles long and hundreds of feet high
• Blinding dust drastically reduces visibility
• Pull vehicle safely off the road, turn off all lights, set emergency break and wait it out
  • Other motorists may follow tail lights and strike from behind

• No place outside is safe during a thunderstorm
• When thunder roars, go indoors
• If in your car, turn it off and do not touch any metal inside of it
• Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the parent storm
• Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder

Buckeye Public Works makes sand available for residents to fill their own sandbags at the Public Works Building located at 23454 W. MC Hwy 85. Residents must bring their own bags and shovel which are readily available at local hardware stores. During the monsoon, sand will also be available at four Buckeye locations, where you must bring your own bag and shovel:

• Fire Station 702 - 1911 S. Rainbow Rd.
• Fire Station 704 - 27360 W. Wagner Complex Dr.
• Fire Station 705 - 30551 W. Tartesso Pkwy.
• Public Works - 23454 W. MC 85

Flash Flood Stats

• The number one thunderstorm related killer
• Most flash flooding deaths happen in vehicles
• It only takes one foot of water to float most vehicles
• It is illegal to drive around barricades
• Flash flooding can occur miles away from the storms and long after they have ended

Pets

• Create a safe place for your pets in an area they know and are comfortable with
• Have food, water, medication, leashes and carriers on hand
• Know their favorite hiding places so they can be easily found

 Livestock

• Keep feed and medicine in an area that can withstand a storm
• Smaller animals should be brought indoors if necessary
• Have veterinary supplies on hand
• Get livestock identification up to date in case they become lost
• Make sure enclosures are in good repair before storms hit