PHOENIX (AP) — Public health officials in Arizona’s most populous county on Wednesday reported they confirmed a staggering 645 heat-associated deaths last year — more than 50% higher than 2022 and another consecutive annual record in arid metro Phoenix.

The figures in the initial findings from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health unsettled authorities in the largest hot metropolitan area in the US, prompting worries over how to enhance safeguards for at-risk populations like the homeless and elderly during scorching summer temperatures.

According to the report, 66% of the heat-related fatalities in the county in 2023 were individuals aged 50 or above. Additionally, 71% of these deaths occurred on days when the National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat warning.

According to Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the medical director of the county’s public health department, fatalities caused by high temperatures are a significant concern in our community. To address this issue, support and efforts from all levels are necessary. With a united approach across the county, the majority of these deaths can be avoided.

The number of heat-related deaths reported in 2023 significantly increased compared to the previous year, where there were only 425 reported. In 2021, there were 339 confirmed heat-related deaths.

No other major metropolitan area in the U.S. has reported such high heat-associated death figures or spends so much time tracking and studying them.

Since 2006, public health authorities in Maricopa County have been monitoring deaths that are related to or significantly impacted by excessive heat in the environment. The agency gathers data from the initial death investigations conducted by the county’s Office of the Medical Examiner, as well as from death records kept by the Office of Vital Registration.

During the summer of last year, the city of Phoenix endured the highest temperatures on record since 1895. This included the hottest July and the second-hottest August. The average daily temperature of 97 F (36.1 C) for the months of June, July, and August surpassed the previous record of 96.7 F (35.9 C) from three years prior.

In July, Phoenix achieved a new record with 31 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius).

To address the increasing issue of deaths related to extreme heat, the Arizona Department of Public Health has appointed a physician as the first statewide heat officer in the country. This is a proactive step taken to combat the effects of extreme heat on the environment.

Dr. Eugene Livar was selected for the state position as part of Governor Katie Hobbs’ plan for preparing for extreme heat.

Phoenix and Miami each have a designated heat officer responsible for implementing measures to safeguard individuals and the community from heightened heat conditions due to the effects of climate change.

Phoenix is the warmest major city in the United States and is home to an office dedicated to managing heat and building resilience. This office works to safeguard individuals and support their ability to handle high temperatures through initiatives such as cooling stations and expanded tree plantings.

Sunenshine from Maricopa County’s public health department stated that anyone, regardless of their size or type, can contribute to reducing heat-related deaths, particularly during the typical hot months from May 1 to Oct. 31.

The local government advised citizens to reach out to individuals in their neighborhoods and social circles during the summer, particularly those who are elderly or live on their own. They also recommended that residents contribute to the community by volunteering at a cooling center to extend its operating hours or by donating necessary items like water, refillable bottles, hats, sunscreen, and cooling towels.

The health department for the county also announced the findings of their assessment on the cooling and respite centers that were in operation throughout the county in the previous year.

The county hopes to utilize the data in order to offer extra resources during the approaching summer season, including a bilingual hot weather assistance hotline to address inquiries and assist individuals in arranging transportation to and from cooling facilities.

Approximately 66% of individuals who participated in a survey regarding cooling centers reported that they did not have a permanent place of residence. The findings indicated that the main obstacles preventing individuals from utilizing these centers were being unaware of their existence or location, and lacking means of transportation to reach them.