{"id":2628,"date":"2026-07-01T13:04:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T13:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arizonamovinginsider.com\/?p=2628"},"modified":"2026-07-01T13:04:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T13:04:44","slug":"why-checking-on-your-neighbors-matters-during-arizonas-hottest-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arizonamovinginsider.com\/?p=2628","title":{"rendered":"Why checking on your neighbors matters during Arizona\u2019s hottest months"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

PHOENIX \u2014 The ABC15 Water Drive has come to an end, but the need to look out for each other continues all summer. In Arizona, especially in July, connection may look a little different.<\/p>

Read more Portion of 75th Avenue closed in Peoria after car crash downs power lines<\/a><\/p>

It may not be a long walk outside. It may be a text message, a quick knock on the door, a case of water on a neighbor\u2019s doorstep, or a simple question: Is your A\/C working? Do you have what you need?<\/p>

The U.S. Surgeon General points to research showing strong social connections are linked to a 50% higher chance of living longer. Poor social relationships are also linked to a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.<\/p>

The National Weather Service also reminds people to check on friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable during extreme heat, especially if they do not have air conditioning.<\/p>

Dr. Lynne Kenney, a Valley-based licensed psychologist with the Wellington-Alexander Center, says connection matters because many families have gotten used to coming home and disconnecting.<\/p>

Read more SRP invests more than $1.3 million in heat relief as Arizona summer temperatures climb again<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ve got to connect, and if we all come home and just go to our rooms and watch our iPads, or open our phones and disconnect, it’s actually bad for brain development, as well as self-esteem,\u201d Kenney said.<\/p>

Kenney says community connection does not have to be complicated. It can start with noticing the people around you and creating small moments of care.<\/p>

Here in Arizona, that can be as simple as checking on someone before the hottest part of the day.<\/p>

Some conversation starters:<\/p>