Water Safety

Know the ABCs of water safety can help prevent an emergency and help keep your family safe around pools

• Adult Supervision: Watch children at all times while they are swimming or around any body of water. A child or infant can drown in as little as 2 inches of water.
• Barriers: Don’t let kids can gain access to pools - secure doggie doors, open gates, open fences and any other way they can gain access to water. Keep doors and fences locked and in good repair.
• Classes: Learn what to do if a drowning should occur by taking CPR and first aid classes. And make sure you and your kids know how to swim.

Red Cross CPR and First Aid Classes

Pools and Splash Play

Swim Lessons

Fireworks can be dangerous and not all types are legal to use within Tempe. There also are considerations for veterans and pets when it comes to fireworks use.
Find details at tempe.gov/fireworks.

In April of 2014, SB 1158 was signed into law by the governor, thus limiting cities or towns within counties of over 500,000 persons from regulating consumer fireworks beyond ARS 36-1606.  In accordance with State Law, Tempe must allow the sale of permissible consumer fireworks April 25 through May 6, May 20 through July 6, and December 10 through January 3. Tempe must also allow the use of permissible consumer fireworks May 4 through May 6, June 24 through July 6, and December 24 through January 3.

A person violating the provisions of the Arizona revised Statute relating to fireworks or to the Tempe City ordinance is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000. The ordinance also allows Tempe to recoup expenses if emergency services are needed in conjunction with the illegal use of consumer fireworks.

Heat Relief 

Tempe has a number of city facilities available for heat relief. Those in need can cool off in building lobbies and get a bottle of water, if available, or use a water fountain. Check our Heat Relief page for more information.

Heat Stroke / Heat Exhaustion

Learn to detect the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. If you or someone else is experiencing a heat-related illness,  get the appropriate care immediately.

Heat Stroke

If you or someone else is experiencing one of these conditions, then immediately take action. Stop the activity, get to a cooler place - preferably shade or indoors - and drink water.  Call 9-1-1.

• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Throbbing headache
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing

Heat Exhaustion

If you or someone else is experiencing one of these conditions, then immediately take action. Stop the activity, get to a cooler place - preferably shade or indoors - and drink water.  Call 9-1-1 if these conditions persist.

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps while in the heat
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Fatigue Weak, rapid pulse
• Heavy sweating
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps

People Experiencing Homelessness

Many people experiencing homelessness spend much of their time outdoors. The hot weather is a challenge to their health and their comfort.  Because access to water is so important, hydration stations are set up in various locations around Tempe and the Valley.

In Tempe

Heat refuge

Homelessness Resources

In Maricopa County

Find cooling centers, heat relief centers and hydration stations through the Heat Relief Regional Network. 

Every year we hear the devastating stories of children and pets left in hot cars.  Minutes matter even in seemingly cooler temperatures. It can take only 10 minutes for a car to increase by 20 degrees. For example, if the outdoor temperature is 72 degrees, inside a car it can  become 92 degrees.

• Be mindful of children and pets in vehicles.
• Don’t make your car a playground so that kids are not tempted to go inside on their own.
• So you don’t forget your child or pet is in the back seat, when entering your car place an essential item in the back seat such as a cell phone, wallet or purse. You’ll be sure to check the back seat before you exit the car.
• When getting out of your car, double check the back seats, lock your vehicle and place the keys out of the reach of children.

One family's story

A local family shared their tragic story to help other families avoid a similar loss. Watch this video to learn more.

More resources

Kids and Cars

Hydration – drink plenty of water

• Drink plenty of water during the day and at night.
• Do your outdoor activities as early as possible and when done, drink water to rehydrate. Drink water before you leave as well.
• If you are out on a hike, run or other activity, turn around and go back before your water is half gone.

Monsoon Ready

Tempe encourages residents to be prepared for potential flooding. In the case of severe weather, visit tempe.gov/storms for updates, tips and information. If you've experienced storm damage, please report it to Tempe 311 by calling 480-350-4311, emailing tempe311@tempe.gov or visiting tempe.gov/311.  

Storm Preparedness Checklist

Are you ready for the storm? Read this to know what to do before, during and after storms.
    

Family Disaster Supply Kit

All families should pack a 3-day bag of supplies including: 1 gallon of water per person/pet per day, nonperishable food, flashlights, radio, batteries, medications, first aid kit and a back-up power source for cell phone chargers and medical equipment. 

Keep storm drains clean of debris 

The flooding of streets, sidewalks and homes can be much worse if the city's storm drains are blocked by debris. This can be prevented by disposing of yard waste in trash receptacles. If excessive amounts of debris are collecting near a storm drain, call 480-350-4311. 

Prepare your home

• Trim trees so they are away from windows and roofs.
• Clear debris from your roof drainage system, including gutters and downspouts.
• Pre-treat pools with chlorine shock to help prevent algae growth.
• Do not apply fertilizers or other outdoor chemicals before expected storms.
• Secure loose items on your property, such as patio and pool furniture.
• Unplug expensive electronics (TV, stereo, home entertainment centers and computers) and/or install power protection devices.

Lear what to do before, during and after the monsoon at tempe.gov/monsoon.

Outdoor Activities (including walking)

Many people walk all or part of the way to their destination and it is difficult to avoid the heat. If you travel on foot, take care of yourself with the help of these tips.

• Avoid the hottest time of the time if possible. Peak heat time is usually 3 p.m.
• Carry water and drink it regularly.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Wearing loose long sleeve shirts and pants can help protect from sun damage.
• Wear a hat.
• Use an umbrella to create personal shade.
• Wear sun screen.
• If outdoors, take a break someplace shaded or in a cooled building.

Bike and Scooter Safety

Without access to a car, or when using public transit, getting to a destination can involve traveling a distance in the heat. Useful alternatives include bicycles and scooters which can cover the distance much faster than on foot.