Here in Surprise, summertime heat is an unescapable reality and high temperatures can continue well after sundown. For those caught out in the heat, either because of work, recreation, or lack of shelter, things can turn dangerous. That's why the city's prize is partnering with the heat relief network this summer to help people stay safe. In the summertime desert, dehydration can happen faster than you think. And heat illness can happen to anyone caught unprepared for the hot temperatures. There are more deaths due to heat than any other natural disaster combined in a year's time. Members of our community who don't have shelter or have limited resources are at the greatest risk of being overcome by heat and dehydration. That's why the city surprise participates all summer long in the heat relief network. So Maroba County has a program called the heat relief network and it allows us to identify specific locations where they can go get rehydrated a cooling station and in the city of Surprise for instance we have our three libraries that are identified as cooling centers. During regular library hours people can come into Northwest Regional Asante and Holly Hawk libraries to cool down and refill their water bottles. Beyond being a hub for reading, learning and imagination, this space also provides a respit from the heat. People can go to cool down, get some water, kind of relax, take the, you know, get out of the heat and kind of reset their uh bodies. The heat relief network also offers services such as transportation to cooling centers just by calling a simple number. There is a program in place where you can call 211 and they will help get transportation needed. and think about 211 as a great resource. Not only can the individual call, but you can call on the individual's behalf. Working together as a community, neighbors, checking on vulnerable neighbors is how Surprise helps everyone get through the long hot summer safely. The biggest thing to remember is to take the heat seriously and plan ahead anytime you're outside this summer. There's no point in pushing it in this hot Arizona heat because mother nature will win every time. The Heat Relief Network operates from May 1st through September 30th and offers a wide variety of locations from cooling centers to hydration stations and locations to drop off donations. If you want to see the entire map, you can go to surpriseaz.gov/heatreief.