West Valley View: September marks the end of monsoon season and is recognized as National Preparedness Month, a reminder to stay alert, plan ahead and protect what matters most in an emergency.
As the first line of defense for unincorporated areas and a key emergency management partner for cities and towns, Maricopa County works year-round with agencies to keep the public safe. Departments including the Flood Control District, Public Health and Emergency Management develop and carry out plans to monitor emergencies, reduce risks and share urgent alerts with residents.
“When the Boulder View Fire burned more than 2,500 acres in Scottsdale in June 2024, the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management issued real-time fire updates while the Sheriff’s Office helped evacuate residents in danger,” said Thomas Galvin, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2. “I am grateful for the selfless and hardworking public servants who confront dangerous situations head-on and go above and beyond to keep our communities safe.”
Storms and Flooding
During monsoon season, Maricopa County often experiences torrential rain, massive dust storms and flash flooding. Campaigns such as “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” and “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” encourage residents to take safety precautions by avoiding flooded roads and pulling over during dust storms.
The Flood Control District monitors incoming storms to protect residents from injury and property damage. Resources include:
Daily Weather Outlook for storm updates.
Floodplain Viewer Map to check if a home is in a floodplain.
Real-time Rainfall Maps to measure rainfall across the county.
The district’s “dam cams” also capture striking images of dust storms and flooding.
Extreme Heat
Triple-digit temperatures are a reality in Maricopa County, posing risks to vulnerable groups such as older adults and people experiencing homelessness. To help prevent heat-related deaths, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health coordinates with the Heat Relief Network — a partnership of 211 Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments, municipalities and community organizations. The program educates residents about the warning signs of heat illness and connects them with vital resources.
The county views heat-related deaths as preventable. Its Heat-Related Death Dashboard tracks confirmed and suspected cases reported by the Office of the Medical Examiner, identifies trends and informs future outreach.
Wildfires
The region’s hot, dry climate creates dangerous conditions where wildfires can ignite from lightning, fireworks, cigarettes or unattended campfires. To prepare, the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management works with fire districts and municipalities to maintain its Emergency Zones Map, which residents can use to check if they are in an active emergency or evacuation zone.
During an incident, the department uses the “Ready, Set, Go!” protocol:
READY: Create an emergency plan and pack a go bag with water, nonperishable food, a battery-powered radio, important documents and medications.
SET: Keep the go bag by the door and be prepared to leave immediately once notified.
GO: Evacuate right away with family members and pets to avoid life-threatening conditions.
While county departments monitor risks and issue alerts, officials emphasize that preparedness begins at home. Families are encouraged to create a plan and pack a go bag before disaster strikes.