2026 Heat Relief Network Launches May 1 to Protect Residents During Extreme Heat

Heat relief sites across the Valley will begin opening tomorrow, May 1, as the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) officially launch the 2026 Heat Relief Network (HRN).

The HRN will provide free, cooled spaces and other resources to the public through September 30, offering critical support throughout the hottest months of the year. Established in 2005, this regional effort brings together government, nonprofit, faith-based organizations, and businesses to protect people most at risk from extreme heat and reduce heat-related deaths.

“Heat affects every corner of our community, and preventing heat-related deaths takes effort from all of us,” said Kelli Donley Williams, MCDPH deputy director. “When people know where to find help and feel supported, it makes a real difference. That’s why it’s so important that residents know their risk, know where to go for relief, and look out for one another.”

How to Access Heat Relief
Starting May 1, residents can use the interactive Heat Relief Map at hrn.azmag.gov to find nearby cooling options across Maricopa County. The map includes more than 200 locations, including indoor cooling centers, respite sites where people can rest for extended periods, hydration stations, and donation drop-off locations.

[read full story on Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website]