MOHAVE COUNTY – The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Mohave County, Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and surrounding areas later this week through Monday.
The desert heat can be very dangerous. Much of the forecast area means that everyone will be at risk due to long-duration heat and little to no overnight relief.
The City of Bullhead City will be opening a Cooling Center from July 5th – 9th from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Optimum Community Center, 2380 Optimum Way in Bullhead City, in rooms 801 and 802. There will be signs clearly posted. Dogs and cats will be permitted; however, they must be crated and be on a leash when outside.
(The Cooling Center location is formerly known as the Suddenlink Center).
Here are some other locations to escape the heat:
- The Bullhead City Senior Center, 2285 Trane Road, is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for seniors (50+ years).
- The Homeless Shelter – The Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope – located at 1594 N. Oatman Road, is also open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., every day.
- The Bullhead City Municipal Pool, 2255 Trane Road, will be open for free when temperatures reach 120 degrees or more. There will also be a free BBQ Bash at the pool on the Fourth of July from 12:15 – 8 p.m. Call the pool at (928) 763-0159 for more information.
Remember to drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty to stay hydrated. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light, loose fitting clothing and apply sunscreen often. Please take the time to check on elderly neighbors and pay extra attention to children and pets during this excessive heat warning.
The City will continue to monitor the weather and adjust the operation days and hours of the Cooling Center appropriately.
Sadly, 645 people died of heat related deaths in Arizona last year. In Mohave County 51 residents perished, with coroner reports citing heat related causes. New Director of the Mohave County Department of Public Health Melissa Palmer says “our goal is to increase awareness on heat related health issues.” She adds, “while we typically share health related posts for all seasons, with the increase in heat and heat related deaths we want to ensure our residents are getting as much information as possible, including information on medications that can cause heat intolerance and how to properly store medication, so its efficacy doesn’t fade.”
Expectations Going Forward
The Mohave County Emergency Management Team is compiling information on local cooling centers following alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). When the temperatures are projected to rise higher than average temperatures, MCDPH will share that information on their Facebook page and on the county website.
Need-to-Know Definitions
- Cooling Centers: Cooled indoor locations that provide refuge from heat during the day. Drinking fountains or bottled water is available.
- Respite Centers: Indoor, air-conditioned locations that offer hydration and allow for uninterrupted rest, sitting, or lying down (depending on each facility) during hours of operation.
- Hydration Stations: Locations where individuals can go to receive bottled water and other collected donated items. Can be indoor or outdoors.
- Collection Sites: Water bottles can be donated here for use at hydration and cooling locations. Some sites also accept other donations, such as cash; light colored, long-sleeved tee-shirts; socks; underwear; hats; lip balm; sun block; and pre-packaged snacks.
