The Arizona heat can be a health challenge in general and even more so for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with existing adverse health conditions. Staying hydrated is important for all populations and even more so during the extreme summer heat.
While we often take water for granted, you should be prepared in the event of a sudden loss of water service caused by a natural storm event, extended power outage, or a water service emergency. While Liberty takes measures to have back up power generation at critical facilities and regularly maintains infrastructure, emergencies and disasters can happen.
Here are some tips to help you be prepared should the unexpected happen.
- Have enough bottled water for all family members and pets available at home for emergencies and bring water with you.
- Do NOT leave plastic water bottles in the car during the summer.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Heavy Sweating
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Lack of Consciousness
- Know what to do if you experience any signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Move to a cooler area
- Loosen clothing and remove extra layers
- Sip cool water
- Cool with water or ice
- Seek medical help or call 911
- Stay inside during the hottest parts of the day (if there’s no power outage)
Being prepared for the possibility of an emergency is the first step in staying as comfortable as possible during the event and there is no such thing as being too prepared. Additional references:
- Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion: https://www.noaa.gov/stories/heat-exhaustion-or-heat-stroke-know-signs-of-heat-illness
- Power Outage Preparedness: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/power-outage/EN_Power-Outage-Safety-Checklist.pdf
- Disaster Preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/