As the blazing sun scorches the Arizona sky, pavements and highways absorb its intense heat. This exposure to the sun’s direct rays can cause these surfaces to become incredibly hot and unbearable to walk or drive on.
According to Foster, it is quite common for black asphalt or concrete pavements to reach scorching temperatures of up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit during a hot summer afternoon in Arizona.
Valleywise Health’s Arizona Burn Center is under the leadership of Kevin Foster, who serves as its director.
According to him, touching anything that is hot can result in severe burns in a short period of time.
According to Foster, stepping on something hot with bare feet can cause a second-degree burn before you even realize it’s hot.
According to Foster, individuals who are most vulnerable to the risks mentioned are children who tend to run around barefoot, the elderly who experience neuropathy in their feet, and those struggling with substance abuse who may fall and remain on the ground for extended periods.
Last year, 85 individuals received treatment for contact burns at the Burn Center, and unfortunately, seven of them lost their lives due to their injuries.
Arizona is experiencing an increase in the number of scorching hot days due to the changing climate. This could potentially lead to an increase in the likelihood of contact burns.
According to Foster, individuals can safeguard themselves by seeking shelter in shady areas and being cautious of the objects they come in contact with.