As Southern Arizona prepares for another summer, the American Red Cross is recognizing TEP for helping to prepare and protect residents from extreme heat.
TEP was honored with the Virginia Holland Philanthropist Award at the Red Cross’s Southern Arizona Volunteer Recognition Event in early April.
For the past two years, TEP representatives have collaborated with the Red Cross in neighborhood canvassing events to distribute information about heat safety resources and tips. Last year, TEP donated $20,000 to the local Red Cross to support such efforts.
“TEP employees are always excited to work closely with the Red Cross and other community partners to raise awareness about heat risks, so that vulnerable populations who are more susceptible to heat-related impacts can hear about community resources that are available to support them,” said Lynne Petersen, Senior Director of Customer Experience, at the award event.
TEP’s outreach events reflect our ongoing commitment to community safety, public health and preparedness as extreme heat affects our community.
To kick off this year’s efforts, in April, TEP volunteers canvassed neighborhoods in Flowing Wells and surrounding areas selected based on 911 calls on heat-related issues last year.
The goal was to share critical heat‑safety information and check on residents’ well‑being. The outreach focuses on simple, potentially life-saving tips like staying hydrated, managing medications safely during extreme heat, and knowing where to find local resources and cooling support.
The canvassing effort included distributing heat‑relief information and kits filled with water, electrolytes, ice packs and more. TEP teams shared guidance on low-income resources, utility payment assistance, and opportunities to get smoke alarm installed or replaced.
