Monsoon Resources

Before the Storm

Flash Floods contribute to weather-related deaths in the U.S. Please prepare. When a storm is approaching, turn to broadcast media, radio, or visit reliable online resources to receive the latest weather updates and instructions.

Stay connected for updates from the city on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Local weather websites:

• National Weather Service Phoenix
• Maricopa County Emergency Management
  

​Prepare Your Home

• Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building, or to evacuate.
• Clean out roof drains or scuppers to prevent accumulation of rain water on the roof.
• Thin out trees and trim down overgrown vegetation.
• Clean out drywells on your property so there is safe place for the water to collect.
• Repair landscaping to ensure water will run away from your building.
• Back up all data in case your computer or servers become damaged.
• Look at installing generators or back up battery systems.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and don't touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
• If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Tips For Drivers

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road! The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
• Six inches of water can cause most cars to lose control.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-up trucks.
• Don't drive around barricades. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
• Treat non-working or flashing traffic signals at intersections as a four-way stop. Proceed with caution.
• 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.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning. Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.
  

Sand Distribution

Once the first major storm event with likely flooding is in the forecast (as determined by the Office of Emergency Management), sand for sandbags will be available (while supplies last) at specific City parks. Residents will need to bring their own bags and shovels. Consider getting reusable flood barriers (see information above).

Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC)

Visit the FCDMC website for information about the district's services, current flood control projects, and flood safety guidelines. See also Maricopa County Emergency Management.

Mosquitos

Wet weather can result in standing water that can trigger an increase in mosquito populations. Call Maricopa County Vector Control at 602-506-6616 for complaints regarding mosquitoes around standing water.

After the Storm

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.
• Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded.
• Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes. When it is not flooding: Make a flood plan
• Consider buying flood insurance.
• Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.
• Be mindful of the potential health risks of playing, wading and swimming in collected stormwater. Runoff from monsoons can pick up pollutants that can be harmful to your skin, eyes and ears.

Power Outages

• Contact your electricity provider to report power outages.
• For Arizona Public Service (APS), call 855-688-2437. Visit APS's Outage Center webpage for more information.