Multimedia Report: How you feelin'...Hot, Hot, Hot!

Multimedia report by Carlos Contreras, Marc Garcia and Eric Gutierrez

Drenched in sweat, sun beaming down, little will to go on. Such is a normal summer day in Phoenix.

But with summer come the dangers of the heat. Every year the Salvation Army and local fire departments throughout the country offer free fans to the public, especially for families that do not have air conditioning in their homes. In addition, some electric companies such as TXU will not disconnect residents for lack of payment during the scorching summer months. This leniency will ensure no one is ill affected by the heat, especially those with critical-health needs, low-income families and older adults, because of harsh-economic times.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the Phoenix metro area are warning residents about how to adequately protect themselves against the heat.

“Be hydrated,” says Sheriff Deputy Mike Lucas. “Wear appropriate clothing. For example, if you are going to be out in the heat, wear long sleeves and it will help protect you from the heat rays.” But often times, the warnings exceed drinking water and wearing clothes.

“Make sure your cellular phone batteries are up, and have an idea of where you are incase [law enforcement] needs to go and find you,” Lucas says.

And with school out for the summer in many places, children are also at risk. Parents worry about keeping their children out of the sun during the hottest months of the year.

“I do not really let my children go outside when it is too hot,” Amelia Perez, a mother from Phoenix says in Spanish.

But as with most things, residents eventually get used to the heat. Such was the case with Phoenix resident Christina Motyka. After living in the Arizona heat for 20 years, she doesn’t even notice it. And, when asked if she would let the heat move her away, she quickly responded, “No.”

Bottom line: don’t sweat it…hide from heat so you won’t be hot, hot hot!

Morgan McNally 22, shares her insight on how Phoenician's beat the heat. (Photo by Carlos Contreras)

Deputy Mike Lucas provides perspective on the summer heat. (Photo by Carlos Contreras)

Scorching sun beats down on Phoenix skyscraper. (Photo by Carlos Contreras)