August 9, 2016
We are currently seeing storm activity and moisture across Maricopa County. Our meteorologists expect rainfall from the afternoon of Tuesday, August 9 through Thursday afternoon, August 11.
The storms are expected to cause heavy rainfall which may result in minor flash flooding. An increasing threat for heavy rainfall and flash flooding may be a concern during the overnight hours of Tuesday through Wednesday.
Maricopa County wants to ensure the community is prepared. Our Flood Control District maintains 321 precipitation gages and operates 38 real-time weather stations throughout the region. These devices measure the amount and timing of rainfall along with different combinations of temperature, humidity, and wind speed/direction which is available at http://alert.fcd.maricopa.gov/alert/Google/v3/gmap.html. This data is used to issue storm alerts and inform local jurisdictions and public safety officials to take necessary action.
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Stay informed. Keep tuned to local radio and TV stations and weather websites:
Visit Flood Control's website to stay informed during a significant storm or sign-up to receive weather alerts
Current weather conditions can be found at www.weather.gov
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Create a family plan to stay in touch with your family and friends in the event of a flood (or any disaster).
Don't forget medicines and special-needs items.
Choose a meeting place in case you get separated.
Plan for your pet’s needs.
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Put together a "grab and go" emergency kit that includes food, water, and first-aid supplies.
For home: Generators, cash, gas storage for vehicles. Three days of water and food, first-aid kit, radio, and mobile device chargers. Store important documents, zip drives, money, and cell phone in waterproof Ziploc bags.
For your car: Extra gas, a blanket, window breaking hammer. Check your tire treads and windshield wipers, consider replacement if needed.
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Stay off the road during and after storms. Road closure information can be found at www.mcdot.maricopa.gov.
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Prepare your home by keeping some basic supplies on hand.
Keep sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting around to protect from floodwaters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm.
Elevate the air conditioner, furnace, water heater, electric panel and other valuables above the anticipated flood elevation. Work with professional plumbers and electricians to ensure this is done properly.
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Consider buying flood insurance because flood damage is not typically covered by homeowners' policies. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance, which can be purchased through the insurance agent who handles your homeowners' policy. Note: There is a 30-day waiting period for a policy to go into effect.
For additional storm preparation information, visit www.ready.gov/floods, or the Arizona Emergency Information Network.
OTHER FLOOD RESOURCES:
Maricopa County Emergency Management www.maricopa.gov/emerg_mgt
Flood Control District of Maricopa County www.fcd.maricopa.gov
Maricopa County Department of Transportation www.mcdot.maricopa.gov
ADOT www.azdot.gov
APS www.aps.com
SRP www.srpnet.com
SRP EMERGENCIES (602) 236-8811 srpnet.com/safety/emergency.aspx
FEMA www.fema.gov
FEMA Flood Smart www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart
For more information about preparing for floods, www.fcd.maricopa.gov/faq.aspx, the National Weather Service www.nws.noaa.gov, or www.floodsmart.gov.
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