Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Phoenix Property Owners

Phoenix homeowners: Here’s your essential guide to prepare for the top 4 local disasters:

Extreme heat
Wildfires
Flash floods
Dust storms

Key steps to get ready:

Create a family disaster plan
Build emergency kits for home and car
Stay informed with local alerts
Prepare your property for specific risks

Quick facts:

Arizona faced 74 major disasters in 66 years
Over 2,200 wildfires burn through the state annually
Phoenix endured 31 straight days of 110°F+ temps in 2023

Disaster	Risk Level	Key Prep
Extreme Heat	Very High	Water, cooling items, shelter plan
Wildfires	High	Evacuation plan, fireproof important docs
Flash Floods	Moderate	Know flood zones, have sandbags ready
Dust Storms	Moderate	Dust masks, car emergency kit

Don’t wait – start prepping today to protect your family and property in Phoenix.

Know Your Local Risks

Phoenix property owners face some serious natural disasters. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

Extreme Heat: Phoenix summers are brutal. In July 2023, we hit 110°F+ for 31 days straight. It’s not just uncomfortable – it’s deadly. Last year, 425 people in Maricopa County died from heat-related causes.

Wildfires: Arizona sees over 2,200 wildfires each year. And 74% of Phoenix properties could be at risk in the next 30 years. That’s a big deal.

Flash Floods: Surprise! 18% of Arizona properties might face flood risk soon. These floods can hit fast, especially after heavy rain.

Dust Storms: Imagine a wall of dust that drops visibility to zero in seconds. That’s what we’re dealing with here.

How to stay in the loop:

Get alerts from the National Weather Service Phoenix office
Follow Maricopa County Emergency Management on social media
Check the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website

Here’s what Allen Clark, director of Arizona Emergency Management, says:

“The more the community can help us [by being prepared], the more we can help the community.”

Know your risks. It’s the first step in getting ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Make an Emergency Plan

Creating a solid emergency plan is crucial for Phoenix residents. Here’s how to do it:

Family Disaster Plan

Sit down with your family and talk about Phoenix-specific emergencies:

Heat waves
Flash floods
Dust storms
Wildfires

Give everyone a job and decide how you’ll communicate. Use the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan as a guide.

Emergency Meeting Spots

Pick two meeting places:

Near home (neighbor’s house or park)
Outside your area (library or community center)

Choose an out-of-state contact, too.

Escape Routes

Map out two ways to get out of each room in your house. If you’re in an apartment, know where all the stairs and fire escapes are.

Room	Main Route	Backup Route
Bedroom	Door to hall	Window to fire escape
Living Room	Front door	Patio door
Kitchen	Back door	Side window

Practice Drills

Don’t just plan – practice:

Fire drills: monthly
Evacuation drills: every 3 months
Out-of-state contact checks: twice a year

Don’t forget about your pets!

Allen Clark, Arizona Emergency Management director, says:

“The more the community can help us [by being prepared], the more we can help the community.”

Get ready, Phoenix. Your safety depends on it.

Must-Have Emergency Kit Items

Phoenix property owners: you need a solid emergency kit. Here’s what to pack for heat waves, flash floods, and dust storms:

Food and Water

Pack 3 days’ worth per person:

1 gallon of water daily
Non-perishables (canned goods, dried fruits, protein bars)

Item	Per Person
Water	3 gallons
Canned food	9 meals
Protein bars	6 bars

“Water beats food for survival. Pack half a gallon (64 oz) per person daily for drinking, plus the same for hygiene if possible.” – Laura Firszt, Networx

First Aid Kit

Must-haves:

Bandages and gauze
Antibiotic ointment
Pain relievers
7-day supply of prescriptions

Tools and Equipment

Don’t forget:

Wrench/pliers (for utilities)
Fire extinguisher
Battery-powered radio
Flashlight + extra batteries
Multi-tool

Hygiene Items

Pack these:

Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Feminine supplies
Garbage bags

For Pets, Kids, and Seniors

Special needs:

Pet food and water
Diapers and formula
Extra glasses or hearing aid batteries

“Throw in kids’ treats and activities. They’ll help during stressful times.” – Laura Firszt, Networx

Store your kit in an easy-to-grab container. Check and refresh every 6 months.

Stay Connected

When disaster strikes, communication is crucial. Here’s how Phoenix property owners can keep in touch:

Emergency Contacts

Create a list of key contacts:

Family and close friends
Local emergency services
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Your doctor and pharmacy
Utility companies

Save this list on your phone and in your emergency kit.

Local Alert Systems

1. RAVE Alerts

Free for Maricopa County residents. Get custom alerts via text, email, and voice.

2. Community Emergency Notification System (CENS)

Sends phone alerts to affected areas.

3. Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS)

FEMA’s national system for authenticated alerts across multiple channels.

System	Area	Alert Types
RAVE	Maricopa County	Text, email, voice
CENS	Phoenix area	Phone calls
IPAWS	National	Mobile, radio, TV, weather radio

Emergency Radio

Don’t forget a reliable emergency radio. It’s your lifeline when other methods fail.

Top picks:

1. Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio

Cost: $50
Power: Rechargeable battery, solar, hand crank
Features: AM/FM/NOAA, flashlight, SOS beacon

2. RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio

Cost: $36
Power: AAA batteries, rechargeable battery, solar, hand crank
Features: AM/FM/NOAA, budget-friendly

Pick a radio with multiple power sources to stay informed during outages.

Prepare Your Home

Here’s how to get your Phoenix property ready for emergencies:

Manage Utilities

Know what to do with your utilities in a crisis:

Cut off electricity and water
Keep natural gas on
Turn off propane gas

Fire Safety Tools

Stock up on these essentials:

Fire extinguishers (one per floor)
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide alarms
Fireproof safe for documents

Smoke and CO Alarms

Keep alarms working:

Test monthly
New batteries yearly
Replace units every decade

Insurance Papers

Organize your docs:

Use a waterproof container
Keep copies in your emergency kit
Review policies yearly

Home Inventory

List your stuff:

Item	Description	Value	Bought
TV	55″ Samsung	$800	05/2022
Laptop	MacBook Pro	$1,500	01/2023
Jewelry	Gold necklace	$1,000	12/2021

Update yearly, store with insurance papers.

“Disasters don’t discriminate, and each one is unique. Being prepared … will help you protect yourself, your family [and] your home.” – Jaclyn Rothenberg, FEMA

Don’t forget:

Secure heavy furniture
Install storm shutters or tough windows
Trim trees and shrubs
Get a sump pump if you’re flood-prone

Get Ready to Evacuate

Disaster can strike fast. You need to be ready to leave your home quickly. Here’s how:

Pack a Go Bag

Have a go bag ready for everyone in your family. Put these in:

1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day supply)
Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
First aid kit and meds
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Important docs (IDs, insurance, bank records)
Cash and change
Clean clothes and sturdy shoes
Personal hygiene items
Cell phone with chargers

If you’re in Phoenix, add:

Sunscreen and hat
Dust masks or bandanas
Extra water

Get Your Car Ready

Keep your car ready to go:

Always have at least half a tank of gas
Keep an emergency kit in your car
Pack jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid kit
Have blankets and warm clothes

Know How to Get Out

Plan more than one way out:

Map at least two routes from home
Practice these routes with your family
Pick safe meeting spots outside the evacuation area
Stay up-to-date on official evacuation routes

Evacuation Tip	What to Do
Tell others	Let family and neighbors know about the evacuation
Dress right	Wear sturdy shoes and cotton clothes
Stay hydrated	Drink lots of water before you go
Secure your home	Turn off gas, pilot lights, leave lights on
Leave early	Don’t wait for an order if you feel unsafe

If you’re in Phoenix and have horses or large animals, WestWorld might be your evacuation center.

Phoenix Climate Prep

Phoenix’s weather is no joke. Here’s how to handle the heat, dust, and floods:

Extreme Heat Survival

Phoenix summers are HOT. Pack these:

Wide-brimmed hats and loose clothes
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Insulated water bottles
Cooling towels
Portable misting fans

Keep a cooler with ice and extra water in your car. Trust me, you’ll need it.

Dust Storm Smarts

Dust storms (haboobs) hit fast. Be ready:

N95 masks or bandanas
Goggles
Emergency car kit

Driving in a dust storm? Do this:

Pull over
Lights off
Set emergency brake
Stay put, seatbelts on

“Pull aside, Stay alive.” – David Woodfill, Arizona’s Department of Transportation

Flash Flood Safety

Monsoons = sudden floods. Stay safe:

Know your flood risk
Waterproof your important docs
Have sandbags ready
Get a weather app with flood alerts

Here’s the deal: 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. 1 foot can sweep away your car. Don’t mess with floods.

Flood Situation	What to Do
In a vehicle	Stay inside if water’s rising fast
On foot	Get to higher ground NOW
At home	Be ready to bail if told

Keep Your Plan Updated

Your emergency plan needs regular updates. Here’s how to keep it useful:

Check Supplies Often

Don’t let your emergency kit become useless. Do this:

Check food, water, and meds twice a year
Replace expired items
Rotate food between kit and pantry

Set a phone reminder for April and October (Daylight Savings Time changes) to check your kit.

Update Your Plans

As life changes, so should your emergency plan:

New address? Update meeting spots and evacuation routes
New family member or pet? Add their needs to your kit
New job? Update workplace info

“Updating the kit once or twice a year gives you a chance to make sure each family member and pet is included in your preparations.” – Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension

Stay Informed

Phoenix’s emergency risks can change. Stay updated:

Follow local emergency services on social media
Check the City of Phoenix website
Know the main risks (heat waves, dust storms, flash floods)

The best plan is one you can use when needed. Keep it simple, current, and you’ll be ready for Phoenix’s challenges.

More Help and Info

When disaster hits, Phoenix property owners need to know where to turn. Here’s a quick guide:

Doan Restoration

Doan Restoration has been Phoenix’s go-to for property damage for over 10 years. They offer:

24/7 emergency response
Water, fire, and mold damage restoration
Services for homes and businesses

Where to find them: 1950 E Watkins St Ste 140, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Doan’s team jumps on emergencies fast, helping cut down on damage and costs.

Local Emergency Offices

Phoenix has your back before, during, and after emergencies:

Resource	What They Do
211 Arizona	Links you to food, clothes, shelter, and basic needs
American Red Cross	Gives disaster prep info and help
Arizona Emergency Information Network (AZEIN)	Shares real-time emergency alerts

Need help now?

For shelter: Call local emergency offices
For rent help: Check out housing assistance programs
For food: Use 211 Arizona to find food banks near you

Wrap-Up

Phoenix property owners: emergency prep isn’t optional. Our area’s unique risks demand action.

Here’s what to do:

1. Know your risks

Understand Maricopa County’s top hazards: floods, wildfires, and Palo Verde Generating Station incidents.

2. Make a plan

Create a family disaster plan covering communication, evacuation, and specific needs.

3. Build your kits

Home: 2 weeks of supplies
Go bag: 72 hours of supplies
Update every 3 months

4. Stay informed

Keep a battery radio and sign up for local alerts.

5. Protect your property

Use Arizona Fire & Medical Authority’s free home safety checks.

Pete Weaver, Maricopa County Director of Emergency Management, says:

“We’re really trying to get the word out. When they get a message, it’s going to pertain to them.”

Act now for peace of mind.

Action	How Often
Review plan	Every 6 months
Check kits	Every 3 months
Practice evacuation	Every 3-4 months
Update contacts	Yearly or as needed

Don’t wait. Prep today, stay safe Phoenix!

FAQs

What natural disaster is most likely to happen in Arizona?

Arizona’s no stranger to Mother Nature’s fury. Here’s what you need to know:

Wildfires top the list of natural threats in the Grand Canyon State. Between 1953 and 2019, Arizona declared 74 major disasters, with wildfires leading the pack.

But that’s not all. Arizona residents also need to watch out for:

Dust storms
Extreme heat
Flooding
Monsoon storms

Let’s break it down:

Disaster Type	Risk Level	Key Facts
Wildfires	High	Over 2,200 wildfires per year on average
Extreme Heat	Very High	ALL Phoenix properties at risk
Flooding	Moderate	18% of properties at risk in next 30 years

Pete Weaver, Maricopa County Director of Emergency Management, puts it this way: