AzEIN

🌧️⚠️ Welcome to Arizona Monsoon Week! ⛈️🌵
The dust storms, dramatic lightning, and sudden downpours are a classic part of our Arizona summers—but they also bring serious hazards.

As we kick off Monsoon Week, it's the perfect time to embrace the season while making sure your household is fully prepared for the unpredictable weather ahead. From flash floods and microbursts to dust storms (haboobs) and extreme lightning, monsoon storms can develop in the blink of an eye.

How to stay safe this season:

📚 Educate Yourself: Learn the difference between a Monsoon Watch (conditions are right for severe weather) and a Monsoon Warning (severe weather is occurring or imminent).
🚗 Turn Around, Don't Drown: Flash floods are incredibly powerful. Never attempt to drive through flooded washes or past barricades—it only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars.
🏠 Dust Storm Protocol: If you get caught in a dust storm while driving, pull off the road completely, turn off your lights, take your foot off the brake, and wait it out safely.

Let’s work together to make this monsoon season both secure an
Grab your favorite storm-watching spot, but keep your emergency plans ready. ⛈️🛡️
🔗 Watch this quick video to learn more about the science and safety of our unique storm season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTGEiqc90gk

When you practice your family emergency plan, make sure your pets are part of the routine. Emergencies can be loud and confusing for our animals, but a little preparation goes a long way in keeping them calm and safe.

Give yourself peace of mind today by taking these two quick steps:

🎒 Audit the Pet Kit: Check your pet's go-bag. Make sure their backup food and water are fresh, and verify that any stored medications aren't expired.

🔄 Run a Practice Drill: Routine is everything for animals. Practice guiding your pets into their crates or securing them on their leashes quickly. Getting them used to these movements now will significantly reduce their stress—and yours—during a real emergency.

They depend on us for everything, especially during a crisis. Take a few minutes to ensure they are just as ready as the rest of the household! 🛡️🌵

🔗 Get more pet-specific prep tips at: ein.az.gov/pet-preparedness

A new month is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on your household readiness. True emergency preparedness doesn't happen overnight—it starts right where you live, with simple, proactive steps.

Take some time this week to go through this quick Home Safety Checklist:

📦 Check Your Supplies: Rotate out any expired food or water in your emergency kit, check the batteries in your flashlights, and ensure your first aid kit is fully stocked.

🌬️ Secure Loose Items: Walk around your property and secure or store items that could become dangerous flying debris during high winds or monsoon storms.

🗺️ Review the Routes: Sit down with everyone in your household and review your evacuation paths. Make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of each room and exactly where your family meeting point is outside the neighborhood.

When you take care of the little things today, you build a safer, more resilient tomorrow for your loved ones. Let's make this month a prepared one! 🛡️🌵

🔗 Get template plans and guides to help you start at: ein.az.gov/get-prepared/plan

Our pets are part of the family, and when an emergency strikes, they depend on us to keep them safe. Don't wait for a "GO" order to figure out what your furry friends need—make them part of your plan today! 🐶🐱🐹

The Arizona Emergency Information Network (AZEIN) recommends packing a dedicated pet emergency kit so you can grab it and go at a moment's notice.

What to pack for your pets:

💧 Food & Water: At least a 3- to 7-day supply of their regular food and fresh water (don't forget a bowl!).

💊 Medications & Medical Records: A backup supply of any scripts, plus copies of their vaccination records in a waterproof bag.

🐕 Leash, Collar, & ID Tags: Make sure their collar is secure, their tags have your current phone number, and their microchip info is up to date.

📦 Crate or Carrier: Essential for safe transport and required by most emergency shelters.

🧸 Comfort Items: A favorite toy or familiar blanket to help reduce stress in an unfamiliar environment.

Taking a few minutes to prepare this month ensures that your whole family—including the four-legged members—is ready for anything. 🛡️🌵

🔗 Get the full pet preparedness checklist at: ein.az.gov/pet-preparedness

Wildfires Leave Lasting Risks—Know What to Do After the Flames 🏠🔥
When the fire is out, the danger isn't necessarily over. Recovery is a process that requires caution and patience. If you’ve been evacuated, follow these essential steps to stay safe during the aftermath:

📱 Connect Safely: Use text messages or social media to let loved ones know you’re safe. This keeps phone lines open for emergency responders.

🏠 Wait for the Green Light: Never return home until local authorities officially declare the area safe. Hazards like downed power lines, unstable trees, or smoldering hotspots may still be present.

🚰 Check Your Water: Fire can damage utility lines and private wells. Confirm with local officials that your water is safe to drink before using it.

😷 Clean with Caution: When cleaning up ash, wear a mask and gloves to avoid skin irritation or inhaling fine particles. Dampen ash lightly to keep it from blowing into the air.

🌧️ Watch the Skies: Did you know the risk of Flash Flooding remains high for several years after a wildfire? "Burn scars" can’t absorb water, meaning even a light rain can trigger a dangerous debris flow.

Recovery takes time, but you don't have to do it alone. Stay informed and look out for your neighbors as we rebuild together. 🛡️🌵

🔗 For more recovery resources, visit: ein.az.gov/wildfire

🚩Red Flag Warning effective at 11am today for parts of northern Arizona.

The US National Weather Service Flagstaff Arizona issued the warning through 8pm tonight for some areas within Coconino and Navajo Counties due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Under Red Flag warnings, any ignition into a dry fuel bed can start a fast-moving, rapidly-spreading wildfire.

Avoid burning or using tools that spark. Please do your part to prevent wildfires.

Fire restrictions are in place across most of the state. For more information on restrictions: WildlandFire.az.gov.

🔥 Help Firefighters Help You: Create Your Defensible Space!

When a wildfire approaches, every second counts. By creating Defensible Space, you aren't just protecting your home—you’re providing a safer environment for firefighters to do their jobs effectively. 🛡️👨‍🚒

Follow these essential steps to "harden" your property today:

✅ Clear the Perimeter: Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and flammable debris at least 30–100 feet from your home. This helps keep ground fires from reaching your structure.

✅ Move Combustibles: Shift wood piles, propane tanks, and grills at least 30 feet away from the house. These can act as fuel "bridges" that bring fire right to your doorstep.

✅ Prep Your Gear: Keep a long garden hose connected and ready to go. It can be a vital tool for dousing small embers before they ignite.

✅ Visibility Matters: Ensure your address and driveway are clearly marked with reflective numbers. If firefighters can’t find you quickly in the smoke, they can’t help you.

A little work now gives your home a much better chance later. Let’s work together to keep the Grand Canyon State safe! 🌵✨

🔗 Get the full Home Ignition Zone guide: ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

🚨 GO! – Evacuate Immediately! 🆘🏃‍♂️
Danger in your area is imminent and life-threatening. If you receive a GO order, do not delay. Your safety depends on immediate action.

Steps to take right now:

🏃‍♂️ Evacuate Now: Leave immediately for a designated shelter or the home of family/friends outside the affected area.

🎒 Take the Essentials: If possible, grab your emergency go-kit, including important documents, life-saving medications, and basic supplies.

🛣️ Follow Official Routes: Stay on designated evacuation routes provided by emergency personnel. Avoid all closed areas—they are restricted for your safety.

🧼 Practice Health Safety: When relocating, continue to follow public health recommendations and avoid close contact with those who are sick.

Important: If you choose to ignore this advisement, please understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further if conditions become too dangerous.

Stay safe, follow instructions from first responders, and move to your safe location now. 🛡️🌵

🔗 Official Evacuation Guidance: ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

🚨 Get SET: Be Alert and Act Early! 🔥🏠
When there is significant danger in your area, it’s time to get SET. This is your window to act before a situation becomes life-threatening. Remember, this might be the only notice you receive—be prepared to move at a moment’s notice.

How to be SET:

🏠 Consider Relocating Early: If you have unique needs, large animals, or simply want to avoid the rush, consider moving to a shelter or staying with family/friends outside the affected area now.

🎒 Grab Your Go-Kit: Ensure your emergency supplies are in your vehicle and ready to go. Double-check for family essentials like medications and pet supplies.

🧼 Stay Healthy: When relocating, remember to follow public health guidelines. Practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with those who are sick, and pack sanitizing wipes and face coverings in your kit.

📢 Stay Informed: Monitor official updates from public safety and health officials. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly—don't wait for a formal evacuation order if you feel unsafe.

Be alert, stay calm, and be SET to GO. 🛡️🌵

🔗 For more details on the SET phase, visit: ein.az.gov/ready-set-go