Red Cross Brings Heat Resources to Southern Arizona Residents

Volunteers go door-to-door to share safety tips and supplies ahead of record-breaking temperatures.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:53am

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The American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter is partnering with the city of Tucson and Pima County Health Department to distribute resources and information directly to residents in neighborhoods that have experienced more heat emergencies. Volunteers are canvassing homes to share safety tips and provide tote bags with supplies to help people stay safe during the upcoming extreme heat.

Why it matters

Heat is the deadliest weather disaster in the country, and the Red Cross is taking proactive steps to ensure vulnerable communities in Southern Arizona are prepared. Building social connections within neighborhoods is crucial for bouncing back quickly from heat-related emergencies and disasters.

The details

The Red Cross is visiting homes in Tucson to inform residents about actions they can take to stay safe during the record-breaking heat. Volunteers are handing out tote bags with resources on where to find cooling centers, home repair assistance, and other helpful information. This is the second year the chapter has gone door-to-door to build community preparedness.

  • The Southern Arizona heat wave is expected to last several days.
  • This is the first of several heat walks the Red Cross chapter is hosting.

The players

American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter

A regional chapter of the American Red Cross that provides disaster relief and preparedness services to communities in Southern Arizona.

City of Tucson

The local government of Tucson, Arizona, which is partnering with the Red Cross on this heat preparedness initiative.

Pima County Health Department

The public health agency for Pima County, Arizona, which is also collaborating with the Red Cross to distribute resources to residents.

Courtney Slanaker

A representative from the American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter who spoke to the media about the importance of community preparedness for heat-related emergencies.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen that in disaster data across the country, that communities and neighborhoods that have stronger social connections are ones that bounce back faster.”

— Courtney Slanaker, Representative, American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter

“Even though it's a dry heat, it's a deadly heat, and that is the reality that southern Arizona faces.”

— Courtney Slanaker, Representative, American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter

“Getting to know your neighbor is one of the most effective ways to prepare for any disaster. It doesn't cost any money, and that's typically your first line of defense. If there's a power outage and there's a heat wave, your neighbors are the first ones who can check on you and make sure you're safe.”

— Courtney Slanaker, Representative, American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter

What’s next

The Red Cross chapter plans to host additional heat preparedness walks in the coming weeks to reach more residents in Southern Arizona.

The takeaway

The Red Cross is taking a proactive, community-based approach to helping vulnerable residents in Southern Arizona prepare for the upcoming extreme heat. By distributing resources and building social connections, the organization aims to ensure people have the information and support they need to stay safe during heat-related emergencies.