PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Monsoon is here! With it comes ominous haboobs (strong dust storms), rain and the chance for flooding which the National Weather Service says is the most common natural disaster in the United States1. According to The Republic, nearly 77 people have died in flash floods over the last four decades in Arizona and around its borders2. The Flood Control District (District or FCD) of Maricopa County is urging valley residents to stay informed, be prepared and be flood smart for this season’s storm events and flash floods.
Information is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal as we prepare for upcoming storms. We work with cities, towns and agencies countywide to make sure that information about storm preparation and recovery is available and easily accessible.
Flash flooding can happen anytime and anywhere, even when it isn’t raining immediately overhead. When thunderstorms move into your area, stay alert for rapidly changing conditions. Lots of rain can fall in a short period of time and quickly cause flash flooding. There are several things that you can do this week to become prepared, including:
• Staying informed and ahead of the storm by checking local weather forecasts
• Developing a Family Plan so everyone knows where to go and how to reach each other in case of an emergency
• Creating an Emergency “At-Home” Kit and “Grab-n-Go” Bag to sustain your family during the storm
• Checking tire treads, windshield wipers and keeping extra gas, blankets and an emergency kit in your car
• Contacting your insurance agent to check if your policy includes flood insurance
• Cleaning out drainage ditches and pipes
• Securing or removing personal property that is in an area where stormwater flows
• Getting sand and preparing sand bags for the entry points to your home
City residents that need to bag sand should contact their city to coordinate bagging efforts. County residents may visit the District storm prep and recovery web pages for locations. If you witness or experience flooding in your area, get tips on what to do and report it at ReportAFlood.org, a site used by the FCD to identify flooding throughout the County. A District video also simplifies these steps.
There is tremendous damage and devastation that can be caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods. For week-long tips on flood awareness and the Arizona Monsoon, follow FCD on Facebook, Twitter (English and Spanish) or #BeFloodSmart or visit us online at FCD.Maricopa.gov.
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1 “Floods: The Awesome Power.” National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, May 2010, www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/ahps/resources/FloodsTheAwesomePowerMay2010.pdf.
2 “How Many Have Died in Arizona Flash Floods? More than You'd Think.” Azcentral, The Republic | Azcentral.com,
17 July 2017, www.azcentral.com/story/news/2017/07/17/arizona-flash-floods-deaths/483391001/.
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The Flood Control District of Maricopa County reduces risk from flooding so that property damage and loss of life are minimized, economic development is supported in a safe and responsible manner and stormwater is recognized as a resource for the long-term benefit of the community and environment.