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Deeper dives on single questions, with sources. New articles are added here.

To Cover Up, Or Not to Cover Up When Trekking Through the Desert

Bare skin vs. loose coverage in desert sun: what research, the Army, and dermatologists say; how desert peoples cover; a bed-sheet sun-wrap tutorial; and desert footwear.

Read → Oct 2026

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You know this city better than any guide. If there's a question, risk, or skill you feel Phoenix-area residents need covered, from monsoon dust storms to keeping elders cool on a budget, we'd love to hear it. Suggest an article topic →

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Help your neighbors

If you're able, be someone's lifeline.

Older adults, young children, and people with disabilities or medical needs are the most at risk in heat, outages, and emergencies. A few minutes of your time can save a life.

Check in twice a day on older or disabled neighbors during heat warnings and outages. Knock, call, or text.
Ask if their AC works and help them get to a cooling center if it doesn't.
Offer a ride to a cooling site, pharmacy, dialysis, or out of an evacuation zone.
Carry extra water to share, and help families with small kids carry supplies.
Call 911 if someone is confused, unresponsive, or can't be reached.

How to start a neighbor check-in list →