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Most Common Natural Hazards
Wildfires often begin unnoticed but quickly spread and produce a noticeable dense smoke that can be seen for miles. Although many in the valley live in urban areas, other areas have what is called a “Wildland Urban Interface”, which creates an environment where fire can move readily between structures and vegetation. Residential and commercial expansion into these areas can increase the likelihood that wildfires may threaten structures and people, and are both dangerous and costly to fight.
Wildfires can be started by nature through lightning strikes and dry, hot weather conditions, but can also be human-caused by accident, carelessness or criminal intent. Maricopa County’s summer high temperatures and dry climate provide a combustible environment for all of these ignition methods. The lingering effects of a wildfire may include soil erosion, landslides, and reduced food for the local animal population. Here are some common things to avoid in areas with dry vegetation:
- Using tools that create sparks
- Dragging trailer safety chains
- Carelessly tossing cigarettes
- Using fireworks
- Burning debris around homes and property
- Discharging firearms
- Abandoning campfires
BEFORE
- Have an emergency plan created and a Go Bag packed. Visit: Maricopa.gov/preparedness for more tips on how to create a plan and a Go Bag.
- Visit the Natural Fire Protection Association websiteto learn how to create defensible space around your home.
- Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
- Trim tree branches away from your home. Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
- Keep wood piles away from your home.
- Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket, shovel, and hose.
- Make sure your home address is visible from the roadway.
DURING
- If you have not yet been told to evacuate, and have time, prepare your home by reducing drafts/radiant heat. Shut off gas/propane. Place a ladder against the house in clear view. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- If you are outside and see smoke in your area, be aware of your surroundings and know several evacuation routes.
- Don’t drive towards the fire. Avoid the area so you don’t impede emergency vehicle access.
AFTER
- Drive with caution. Anticipate traffic light outages and obstacles in the road. Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways / railways to appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage.
- Use caution around trees and other overhead obstructions. Stay away from burned areas.
- If your home or property is damaged, take photos/videos of damage, list all damaged items, and contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
READY, SET, GO for Evacuations
During any incident that may require you to evacuate, we want you to remember three things: READY, SET, GO
READY: Long before an emergency starts, you want to be prepared. Being READY means that you have an emergency plan created and a Go Bag packed. Visit: Maricopa.gov/preparedness for more tips on how to create a plan and a Go Bag.
SET: When the emergency starts, you need to be prepared to evacuate the area. Being SET mean that you put your go bag by the door, you gather your family and pets, including livestock and be poised to leave as soon as possible.
GO: Once you receive a notification to evacuate, GO as soon as possible. Take your pets with you.
Visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for more information.
Protect Your Home or Business From Wildland Fire Brochure - English (PDF)
More Information on Wildfires
Thunderstorms frequently produce downbursts, straight line winds, and tornadoes. All three of these wind types can create dust storms or “haboobs". Dust Storms are unexpected, unpredictable and can sweep across desert landscapes at any time. During an average year, generally one to three dust storms will move into the Phoenix area, usually lasting a few minutes to an hour. They often come with no warning and can significantly reduce visibility, resulting in deadly multi-vehicle accidents on roadways. You can endure these brief but powerful windstorms if you know how to react.
BEFORE
- Secure any outdoor items including furniture and loose gutters.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
- Trim tree branches away from your home. Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
- Close your doors and windows.
- Consider turning off air conditioning/heating system until the dust storm passes.
- Bring pets indoors.
DURING
- Get as low to the ground as possible far away from roads and freeways.
- Dust Storms often accompany severe winds and thunderstorms which could lead to flash flooding. Avoid trees and low lying areas.
- Protect your face and any exposed skin. Cover your nose and mouth.
- Do not drive into or through a dust storm. PULL ASIDE. STAY ALIVE.
- Do not wait until there is low visibility to take action. Immediately check traffic around you and slowly and safely pull over as far as you can completely off the paved portion of the roadway. Do not stop in a travel lane or the emergency lane. Completely exit the highway if possible.
- Turn off all of your lights, including emergency lights. Put the car in park and set the emergency brake. Take your foot off of the brake pedal. Other motorists may tend to follow taillights in an attempt to get through the dust storm, and may strike your vehicle from behind.
- If you absolutely cannot pull off of the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility. Use painted lines as a guide. Turn on lights and occasionally sound the horn until you can safely pull off of the roadway.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
AFTER
- If you are pulled over in a vehicle, check traffic and carefully return to the roadway.
- Drive with caution. Anticipate traffic light outages and obstacles in the road. Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways/railways to appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
Dust Storm Brochure - Spanish (PDF)
More information on Severe Wind and Dust Storms
Maricopa County frequently exceeds temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months, but is fortunate enough to have relatively low humidity. Extreme Heat can cause serious or even fatal medical conditions. Common hazards associated with extreme heat include heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The National Weather Service is using Heat Risk as a determining factor for watches and warnings. Heat Risk considers factors such as location, time of year, and duration to assess Heat Risk.
BEFORE
- Visit the National Weather Service website for more information on heat..
- Visit our extreme heat page to learn signs of heat illness and what to do.
- View an interactive map of hydration and cooling stations.
- Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Cover windows that receive direct sun with drapes, sun screens, or awnings.
DURING
- Wear as little clothing as possible.
- Take cool baths or showers but avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Check on family and friends who are at high risk for heat-related illness.
- Bring pets indoors. Make sure they have plenty of water.
- Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat.
- Postpone outdoor activities.
- Drink lots of water, even if you aren't thirsty. Always have water with you. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Limit sun exposure and apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.
- Try to work during early morning hours and take frequent breaks.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Recognize symptoms of heat illness. Seek help immediately.
- NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK!
More Information on Extreme Heat
National Weather Service Heat Safety Opens a New Window. Opens a New Window.
Three types of storms trigger flooding in Maricopa County: tropical storm remnants, winter rains, and summer monsoons. LOCALIZED FLOODING is a result of excessive precipitation/storm runoff over a short period of time. In addition to heavy rain; poorly designed, maintained, altered, or blocked control measures often contribute to these localized floods. FLASH FLOODS result from storm runoff from local or distant mountainous areas moving quickly through normally dry washes and riverbeds. These common types of floods are fast moving and often short lived.
BEFORE
- Visit our Flood Control website to find out more about flooding and to see if you live in a floodplain. Also check for rainfall information, water-levels, and to sign up for weather alerts
- Be aware of areas known to flood. Flash floods can occur without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- Consider Flood Insurance. Flood damage is not typically covered by homeowners’ policies. Get coverage early-there is a waiting period before it takes effect.
- If you are in a flood-prone area, get sandbags BEFORE the threat of flooding is highest. Check with your local Fire Station or District.
- To protect items from flood damage, bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor.
DURING
- If you are inside and there is a possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to a second story if possible.
- Bring pets indoors.
- If you are outside and there is a possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
- TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!® Do not walk through moving or standing water. Six inches of moving water can sweep you off of your feet. You may not be able to determine how deep it is or the hazards within it (electric charge, contaminants, and debris).
- If you must walk through flooded areas stay on firm ground, use a stick when walking, and be aware of areas that may be damaged or weakened by flood waters.
- Do not drive through moving or standing water. A foot of water can carry away a car. You may not be able to determine how deep it is or the hazards within it.
- If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
AFTER
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Drive with caution. Anticipate traffic light outages and obstacles in the road. Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways/railways to appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
- Shut off electricity and gas.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Wear appropriate safety gear.
- If your home or property is damaged, take photos/videos of damage, list all damaged items, and contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
- Monitor your radio or cell phone for information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organizations.
Flooding Brochure - Spanish (PDF)
More Information on Flooding
Storm Preparation and Recovery Tips Opens a New Window. Opens a New Window.
Monsoon Season is the most dangerous time of year weather-wise in the Southwest. Although the Monsoon brings welcome rains and relief from the summer heat, the thunderstorms that come with the Monsoon bring their own hazards. Lightning, severe wind, dust storms, and flooding can all accompany thunderstorms, causing injuries and property damage.
BEFORE
- Unplug expensive electronics when thunderstorms are expected, and BEFORE the storm arrives
- If it’s not too hot, turn off air conditioners.
- Trim tree branches away from your home. Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
DURING
- Corded phones are dangerous during thunderstorms. Cell phone and cordless phones are safe.
- Wait to use any plumbing. Plumbing can conduct electricity from lightning strikes from outside.
- Don't touch electrical equipment such as computers, TVs, or cords. You can use remote controls and wireless computers safety.
- Stay away from windows and doors. Avoid concrete floors and walls. Stay off of porches.
- Bring pets indoors.
- WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS! Go to a nearby large substantial building or a fully-enclosed, metal-topped vehicle.
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top. Get to the lowest point but be aware of flash flooding.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
- If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
- Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects.
- If you feel your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.
- If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
- If you are on a boat and cannot get to shelter, drop anchor and get as low as possible.
- If you are on a motorcycle or bike, pull over and wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before resuming your ride.
AFTER
- Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going back outside.
- Drive with caution. Anticipate traffic light outages and obstacles in the road. Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
- Stay away from flooded and storm damaged areas.
- If your home or property is damaged, take photos/videos of damage, list all damaged items, and contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
Monsoon Brochure (PDF) Opens a New Window.
Monsoon Brochure - Spanish (PDF) Opens a New Window.
More information on Monsoon Storms
National Weather Service Lightning Safety Opens a New Window.