Credit: 12News

The Salvation Army is offering services to protect against heat exhaustion.

There is a excessive heat morning in Phoenix’s metropolitan area. It’s critical that you stay cool and well-hydrated. Last year, there were 180 heat-associated deaths. The Salvation Army once again is activating 12 heat-relief stations across the Valley.

The heat-relief stations can be a refuge from the dangerous heat. The centers open from 11 AM to 5 PM. Those are the hours for all the relief stations that will open from Apache Junction all the way to Avondale.

The Salvation Army will send mobile units out to the streets to reach those people who can’t make it out to the stations.

Heat is the top weather-related killer in Arizona. More people die from the heat than wild fires and floods combined. The Salvation Army opens these relief stations when there are at least two days of temperatures above 105 degrees and above 75 degrees through the night.

Excessive heat is dangerous and can cause dehydration, severe illness or even heat strokes. To prevent these from happening, here are a few tips:

-Drink more fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
-The A/C is your best friend, so stay inside if possible.
-Wear light clothing
-Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

The Salvation Army is also encouraging everyone to check on neighbors to make sure all is well.