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 Additional Risk

• Check for visible structure damage
• Contact your utility company if you suspect damage to your utilities
• Turn off all water and electrical sources; DO NOT attempt to turn off electricity while standing in water. Get professional help!

Take Pictures

• Fully document the damage before any repairs are made

Protect Your Health

• Wear protective clothes: boots, gloves, mask etc.
• Remove all contaminated food

Call Your Insurance Company

• Notify your insurer as soon as possible
• Work with your insurer to determine the extent of your coverage

Remove The Water

• Once you receive the ok from your insurer, pump the water
• Sump pumps are available from most hardware stores for $150-$500
• Wet vacs average $40-$130
• Open doors and windows to all fresh air to circulate

Make Floodproofing a Priority When You Rebuild

• Consider structural changes to your home
• Add flood openings at the base of the structure or along walls
• Elevate appliances like your AC unit or water heater

Storm Recovery Resources

Reduce Your Flood Risk – A Resource Guide (PDF) Opens a New Window. 

CDC: Reentering Your Flooded Home  Opens a New Window. 

CDC: Clean Up Safely After a Disaster  Opens a New Window. 

FEMA: How Do I Start My Flood Claim? Opens a New Window.  

Additional Storm Recovery Assistance Organizations

American Red Cross – Phoenix Chapter 1-800-842-7349

Salvation Army – Metro Phoenix Emergency Services 602-267-4122

Report A Flood

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