Emergency Preparedness

Flooding - Arizona Emergency Information Network (azein)

"Flooding, the temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry, is the most common hazard in the United States and Arizona. Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Flooding can cause power outages, traffic issues, damage to buildings and landslides.

Floods may develop slowly over time, or quickly with no warning as in a flash flood. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris.

Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Be aware of flood hazards(link is external) no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood."

For more information check the website.

CDC - Extreme Heat and Your Health

KEY POINTS

• Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Despite this fact, approximately 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.
• This website provides helpful tips, information, and resources to help you stay safe in the extreme heat this summer.

Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.

Better understand the health effects of extreme heat with this June 2024 article from the CDC.

Essential Technology to Have During Natural Disasters

"Free apps and affordable gadgets can help before and after extreme weather."

"Given the frequency and intensity of natural disasters these days, chances are it’s a case of when — not if — extreme weather will affect your life.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says emergency preparedness is critical to help protect your family, your home and your belongings from a myriad of threats, such as wildfires, drought, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes."

“We encourage everyone to be prepared year-round for any disaster, hazard or climate event,” says Jaclyn Rothenberg, FEMA’s director of public affairs. “Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts and where to go if you and your family need to evacuate.” Rothenberg says this requires having an evacuation plan and practicing it often.

"Technology can play an essential role in emergency preparedness with helpful apps and gadgets to get you through a natural disaster."

For more information, check the website for this 2022 article from AARP.

Plan Ahead for Emergencies and Natural Disasters

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.

Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Use this page to access specific information about different types of potential weather disasters, such as, extreme heat, flooding, thunder and lightning, power outages and other forms of severe weather. Then use the various resources to help you and your family prepare for these events.

This is a great resource for emergency preparedness preparation and planning.

Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)

The State of Arizona's official source for emergency updates, preparedness advice and hazards information, and related resources.

Use this site for comprehensive information regarding all forms of emergency and extreme weather conditions in the State of Arizona.

Prepare a Go Kit - AZ Emergency Information Network (azein)

"An emergency go kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. It should be easily portable, refreshed regularly, and take into consideration the needs of everyone who may shelter or evacuate with you during an emergency. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire emergency go kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as a plastic bin, camping backpack or duffel bag.

Before buying items for your go kit, check around your house to see what you already have. You may have to evacuate or shelter in place at a moment’s notice and may not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. Plan to have your own food, water and other supplies in enough quantity to last for at least 72 hours."

For more information check the website.

American Red Cross - Extreme Heat Preparedness Checklist

Extreme Heat Safety

"Learn how to stay safe during a heat wave and how to treat heat-related illness like heat exhaustion."

An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. Climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe, and last longer. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones."

For more information check the website.

Power Outage - Arizona Emergency Information Network (azein)

"Short-term power outages and blackouts are inconvenient. In certain circumstances, such as summertime in Arizona, power outages can be life threatening. Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. By preparing for outages in advance, you'll have a plan to use when the power goes out."

For more information check the website.

Just in Case Arizona!

Arizona Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

For many years, your state government has been working to better respond to emergencies. Now, it's time to do your part.

Work with your family to plan for emergencies. Practice your responses and be "prepared to stay" or "prepared to go" when the time comes. Remember to stay informed with the latest state emergency news at Arizona Emergency Information Network. This web site was created to provide Arizonans with real time updates during natural or human caused emergencies and disasters. For national emergency preparedness, you can visit FEMA’s web site at www.ready.gov.

Remember, your efforts now could make all the difference when it counts later. So please take the time to make your plan to stay safe – just in case, Arizona!

Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network for more information.

Sandbags - how to find them

Pinal County sandbag information

Sandbags are available for Pinal County Residents. Pinal County only provides sandbags and sand. You will need to bring your own shovel to load the bags. There is a limit of 25 bags per household.

Go the following site for Pinal County sandbag locations: Sandbag-Contacts---Locations-Within-Pinal-County-PDF

NOTE: The most likely location for City of Maricopa area residents is likely to be the Hidden Valley Maintenance Area.

Use the following link to view a very good Pinal County video on sandbag preparation and use: Monsoon Season | Pinal County, AZ

(Check the bottom of the page for the video link)

City of Maricopa sandbag locations:

Firehouse Station 571

• 20945 N. Porter Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138
• Sand pile available in the station parking lot – gates open 7 am – 7 pm
• Bring your own shovel
• Ring the station doorbell to get unfilled bags (If not out on a call)

NOTE: Some prefilled bags are available, but they have been exposed to the heat and sun and could be somewhat fragile and possibly break.

Firehouse Station 572

1. 36930 W. Bowlin Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138
2. Sand pile available in front (visitor) parking lot – 24 hours per day
3. Bring your own shovel (one is currently outside but there is no guarantee it will be there
4. A box of unfilled sandbags is available at the sand pile

Firehouse Station 574

1. 44925 W. Alterra Parkway, Maricopa AZ 85139
2. Sandpile available in the statin parking lot – gates open 7 am – 7 pm
3. Bring your own shovel
4. Ring the station doorbell to get unfilled bags (if not out on a call)

Firehouse Station 575

1. The station has no sand
2. However, there is a pile of sand available in front of the Public Works office next door (45755 W. Edison Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139)
3. Bring your own shovel
4. Unfilled sandbags are available in the Public Works Office - Monday -Thursday 7 am – 6 pm

PENS - PINAL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Want to be notified in case of an emergency? Be sure to register for the Pinal Emergency Notification System (PENS). PENS allows law enforcement, fire, public health, or emergency management officials to notify you in times of crisis or if immediate action is needed. You can also specify if you need special assistance. There is no cost to register, and it could make all the difference in a time of emergency.

Once you register, you can sign up to choose how you would like to be contacted in an emergency. You can also decide which events you would like to be notified of, such as flood, fire, or weather.

Are you ready to be a lifeline?

Life Line CPR & Safety Training

At Life Line we are committed to teaching CPR and safety training to people of all ages and professions in Pinal county and surrounding areas. We offer classes held at convenient locations throughout Pinal County, and can travel to your business or home for private group training

Preparedness - National Fire Protection Association

The National Fire Protection Association is the leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards.

This website provides extensive information on potential hazards from electrical devices and sources. It provides excellent recommendations on how to protect your family and property from many forms of electrical hazards, including e-bikes, seasonal fire hazards, smoke alarms, home escape and lithium batteries.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

CDC - Preventing Heat-Related Illness

KEY POINTS

• Protect yourself and others when it's hot outside by staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed.
• Learn additional tips for staying safe during extreme heat.

This CDC article published in January 2024 addresses how to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed about extreme heat.

Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans: Get Ready Now.

In the case of an emergency or a disaster, older Americans need to be prepared in advance to be sure that they have the resources, knowledge and support needed to survive. This PDF from Ready.gov addresses preparing a kit of emergency supplies, making a plan and being informed about what might happen. Download this guide and begin your preparations.

Thunderstorms - Arizona Emergency Information Network (azein)

"Thunderstorms happen year-round in Arizona, but they are most common during the monsoon (mid-June through September). In Arizona, severe thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous winds, hail, dust storms and lightning. Lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States."

For more information check the website.