As the mercury continues to rise, Maricopa County and Clear Channel Outdoor are spearheading an initiative to help the local populace beat the heat. With the deployment of digital billboards, they aim to broadcast essential information about more than 200 heat relief sites available across the region. The initiative, which kicked off on May 12th and will run until mid-October, seeks to help community members find reprieve during the sweltering Arizona summer. Last year's campaign seemed to have had a positive impact, correlating with a reduction in heat-related fatalities for the first time in a decade, as reported by Maricopa County's official website.
The collaboration between the advertising giant and local authorities aims to proactively prevent heat-related emergencies as the area braces to potentially endure over a hundred consecutive days with temperatures soaring above 100° F. "Extreme heat can kill, whether you’re out in the sun or inside without proper cooling. So don’t wait. If you’re in a heat emergency, call 211 and get the help you need," urged Thomas Galvin, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman. In a push to effectively spread awareness, 211 Arizona will facilitate access to nearby cooling centers and other heat relief resources from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through live operators proficient in both English and Spanish.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has expressed gratitude for the coalition that extends its arms to include 211 Arizona and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), emphasizing the provision of respite sites with overnight and extended hour options. Contributions to this campaign by Clear Channel Outdoor come in the form of valuable advertising real estate, which the President of the Arizona division, Adriane Youngblood, believes will play a critical role in educating the community on how to quickly locate assistance, a perspective shared in Maricopa County's news release.
The digital billboards serve as a beacon, guiding those affected to free, 24-hour information services, while encouraging self-awareness and preparedness to combat heat-related challenges. During off-hours, an automated menu system will help individuals connect with necessary resources. These outreach efforts are backed by real-time heat data available through MCDPH's new dashboard, and health information about heat illnesses and prevention can be found by visiting the Maricopa County website. For a full grasp of available services, the community is encouraged to explore 211Arizona.org.
