Create a Family Plan

Make a plan. Practice. Practice. Practice.

• Choose an emergency contact - A friend or family member out of town may be easier to reach in an emergency. Family members will contact this person in an emergency to let them know they are safe.
• Make sure everyone knows how to contact the emergency contact
• Know emergency contact numbers - Post them near your home phone & save them in your cell phones
• Choose multiple meeting places - choose a place that is on high ground but easily accessible for all family members

Download the Ready Maricopa app for an easy walk-through of Emergency Preparation!

At Home Emergency Kit

In an emergency, you may not have access to food, water, or electricity for several days. Prepare an emergency kit last will last you at least 3 days. Remember to make the kit make sense for your family! 

• Food - choose foods that are easy to make and will not spoil (Don't forget the fur family members!)
• Water - 1 gallon per person per day
• Manual can opener
• First-aid supplies
• Blankets
• Matches/Lighter - store in a sealed plastic container
• Flashlight & Batteries
• Special Need Items - Medical needs, baby needs, pet needs

Print a copy of our Emergency Kit Checklist Opens a New Window. to help you prepare.

Grab & Go Bag

If you have to evacuate in a hurry, a grab & go bag will be very helpful. Fill with necessary items such as:

• Food & Water
• First-Aid Supplies
• Personal Care Items
• Flashlight, Radio, & Batteries
• Cell Phone charger 
• Copies of Important Documents (store in a double zipped freezer bag for protection)
• Extra Cash, map of the area, & extra keys of house & car
• Unique family needs - baby needs, pet needs

Each family is unique. Pack things that make sense for your family. If you have children, get them involved! They can add one of their favorite games to the kit to keep the family occupied during stressful situations.

For Your Car

An emergency can happen anywhere at anytime. Keep a small emergency kit in your car in case of emergency during your commute.

• Make sure to have extra gas, a blanket, window breaking hammer, etc. 
• Check your tire treads and windshield wipers and consider replacement if needed.

After A Flood

• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may be electrically-charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded.
• Avoid damaged roadways and be cautious of debris and road obstructions.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. 

Storm Recovery Tips

If your property experienced flooding in a recent storm, proceed with the following helpful steps.

• Take photos and videos to document the damage to your property. You will also need to make a list of all items damaged, destroyed or lost.
• Call your insurance agent and ask them if you have flood insurance and what you need to do in order to file a claim.
• Before doing any cleaning, make sure it is safe to do so. Check to ensure that any buildings you are going into are structurally sound and aren't about to collapse. Be sure to also secure the electricity and gas to avoid any chances of accidental electrocution or fire.
• Wear appropriate safety gear (like masks, gloves and boots) when cleaning and removing items.
• If in doubt of safety, stay away and call an expert to assist you.

Report A Flood

Report any flooding that you experience or witness on the Report a Flood website, a site used by the District to identify flooding throughout the county.