Extreme Heat Poses Deadly Risks for Manufactured Home Residents in Arizona
Extreme Heat Poses Deadly Risks for Manufactured Home Residents in Arizona
US · Published Sep 7, 2026
Residents of manufactured homes in Arizona, particularly in cities like Phoenix and Tucson, are facing heightened risks from extreme heat.
These homes, often located in heavily paved areas with minimal shade, amplify heat exposure.

Impact & Risks

The extreme heat in Arizona disproportionately affects residents of manufactured homes, who often face financial and structural barriers to staying cool. Many of these homes are older, with poor insulation, outdated cooling systems, and thin walls that fail to protect against rising temperatures. Residents, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. In some cases, these conditions have proven fatal, as seen in the tragic story of Sheri Petty, a Tucson resident who succumbed to heatstroke in her home. The lack of affordable cooling options and restrictions on home modifications further exacerbate the risks for these communities (NPR, 2026).

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