City staff urges hikers to carry charged phones; partners with fire department to hand out heat-relief kits

A city staff member said the city is partnering with the fire department to hand out water and heat-relief kits at the Echo Canyon and Piestewa Peak trailheads and urged hikers to take precautions as summer heat intensifies. "Of the things we always tell our folks, especially if you're doing things like hiking or other outdoor activities, if possible, always have a friend with you so that you're not by yourself," the staff member said.

The staff member said the kits include sunscreen, hats and cooling towels and that fire-department personnel at trailheads will also pass out water and offer one-on-one education to visitors. "Some of the heat relief kits, which include, you know, sunscreen, hats, cooling towels, things like that, and just providing some awareness and education to folks that are about to go, take a hike," the staff member said.

The official noted many summer visitors may be unfamiliar with local heat and its impacts, and advised hikers to monitor temperatures and ensure cell phones are charged to maintain a way to communicate if they need help. The remarks were informational outreach; no formal policy or vote was announced at the meeting.

City staff emphasized the outreach is aimed at reducing heat-related incidents among recreational hikers by increasing on-site availability of water and basic heat-relief supplies and by providing safety information before hikers begin trails.