Arizona's first extreme heat warning arrives this week with the Fourth of July holiday, prompting state and local health officials to remind residents about the importance of taking extra precautions this summer especially against the heat.

"Our region is rallying to ensure that people don't suffer needlessly during these hot summer months. Municipalities are developing heat relief plans, faith-based groups are organizing volunteers, and individuals are contributing water, sun block and other critical donations," said Greg Stanton, City of Phoenix Councilmember and Chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness.

The MAG Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness has developed two maps of resources available for thosein need and for those who want to help. One with information about where water hydration stations and refuge locations are located throughout the county and the second showing where water collection and donation sites are located in Maricopa County. The maps are being distributed throughout the community and are linked to the CONTACS shelter hotline at (602) 263-8900 and available on the MAG website at www.mag.maricopa.gov.

"Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention," said Susan Gerard, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. "Staying indoors and making simple changes in your fluid intake, and limiting your activities can help to prevent heat-related illness and death."

"Yes, heat can kill, but during the summer months, we also want to remind residents to be vigilant about a host of health issues; Heat, West Nile Virus, Carbon Monoxide poisoning at our lakes and the potential for childhood drownings are all messages that we need to treat with the highest level of importance," said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

Health officials offered these tips on how to stay safe:

HEAT

People who work outdoors are at especially high risk. People that have outdoor occupations need to take more breaks and get more of their work done in the early morning hours if possible. Young children and the elderly are also at greater risk to suffer from heat-related illness.

People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded and the body can no longer cool itself. As long as blood is flowing properly to the skin, extra heat from the body is pumped to the skin and removed by sweat evaporation. If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can result, potentially leading to brain damage or death.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center is the most effective way to fight heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms. A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower.

Visit Heataz.org for more information.

WEST NILE VIRUS

WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Approximately 20 percent of people infected with the virus will feel flu-like symptoms occurring three to 15 days after the mosquito bite.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. A small percentage of people who are infected with WNV will experience severe symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, and even death. People over the age of 50 are generally at a higher risk for severe symptoms. If a person thinks he or she has WNV symptoms, he or she should consult their health care provider.

Residents are encouraged to mosquito-proof their home by taking the following precautions:
" Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your property. Drain standing water in potted plants, tires, and other containers.
" Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
" Keep fountains, animal troughs, and swimming pools properly operating and free from debris.

Visit westnilesaz.org for more information.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic, odorless and colorless gas produced by boat engines, generators, and stoves. It can accumulate inside engine compartments, and pool in deadly concentrations outside the boat as well - around engine and generator exhaust outlets, under and around swim platforms, and even in an open cabin when conditions are right.
In ski boats, high concentrations are found around decks, where youngsters like to "teak surf" - a practice in which individuals hold onto the swim platform while the boat is underway. This puts the individual in the path of the vessel's exhaust - and propellers -- and exposes them to deadly levels of carbon monoxide.

Also, boaters should be especially careful when they anchor or ride along side one another. Deadly fumes can waft from other vessels. Carbon monoxide also can pool in the back of a boat when the boat is moving at slow speeds, creating a back draft that brings noxious fumes into the open cabin.
To avoid problems:
· Don't swim near or under the back deck or swim platform. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented.
· Don't allow teak surfing, dragging or water-skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft.
· Assign an adult to watch when anyone is swimming or playing in the water.
· Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces.
· Don't confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication or heat stress. If someone complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause, and take corrective action. Seek medical attention if necessary.
· Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check detectors before each trip to make sure they are functioning properly.
· Don't idle, especially when people are on or near the rear swim platform.
· Wear life jackets.