How to Handle a Flooding Emergency in AZ

Last week Arizona experienced some pretty crazy weather. Like it was so crazy that I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who woke up wondering when they moved to Seattle! Anyway, all this rain had me thinking about how many of us Arizonians are probably entirely unaware of what to do if there is ever a flooding emergency in AZ. Well worry no longer, because we’re going to get down to the nitty-gritty of it all right here, right now.

First and foremost it is important to recognize that a flood can happen anywhere (yep, including our beautiful, sunny state of AZ). Floods might be localized to a particular street/neighborhood or it might be widespread, even affecting entire cities! That sounds scary, and it would be, but knowledge is power and in this case, knowledge of how to handle a flooding emergency in AZ is the power to help yourself, and others, to be kept safe!

Now let’s starts with the basics.

First, how to prepare for a flooding emergency in AZ:

1. Start by finding out if you live in a predetermined flood area (heads up…if you live near a wash, this might be you)!
2. Know the terminology. This is important because let’s say you’re driving home one evening jamming to your favorite song when all of a sudden they “interrupt this program” to inform you of a flash flood watch. Do you know what that means? What about if they said flood hazard? Knowing the terminology is like knowing what red, yellow, and green mean for a traffic light. In other words, it’s important. To learn more about flooding terminology click HERE.
3. I know it might seem a little ridiculous out of context but in times of trouble an emergency supply kit (not limited to just a “flooding emergency in AZ” kit) might legitimately be your lifesaver, so put one together and store it in a safe but accessible spot.
4. Plan, it’s as simple as it sounds. Have a plan of where to meet up if you’re not with those who are most important to you and have a plan if you need to get to higher ground.
5. Don’t ever let your car’s gas tank be on low. You never know when you might need it (hint: if there’s a flood traffic is probably going to be even slower which makes a full tank of gas even more important). Flooding aside, this is just a good tip to follow! Trust me, it’s no fun being stuck on the side of the road because you drove 30 miles on empty. Not that I’m speaking from experience…

Next, what to do if there is a flooding emergency in AZ:

1. A good rule of thumb is to stay tuned into the radio or TV. Yes, even if you might be pissed that your program keeps on getting interrupted with that never-not annoying beep, keep it on and pay attention.
2. Now this next step is typically not the norm in the AZ, but you know what they say, “hope for the best and expect the worst”. If you are ever ordered to evacuate here are a few of the basic things you’ll want/need to do (to learn more about evacuation procedures check out American Red Cross, Ready.gov, flash.org, etc.):
3. Take only essentials
4. Turn off gas, electricity, and water.
5. Secure your home
6. Don’t forget the animals
7. Follow the designated evacuation procedure
8. If you are not ordered to evacuate (most likely the case for a flooding emergency in AZ)
9. Stay tuned to emergency stations on the radio or TV and listen for further instructions.
10. Prepare to evacuate even if it is only temporarily to a neighbor’s home or shelter.
11. Always be as safe as possible. Really don’t try anything stupid during a flood, I hate to break it to you but you’re not invincible. Sorry but tough love.

Finally, what to do after a flooding emergency in AZ:

1. Once again listen to news reports to ensure that it’s not only safe outside but that the water supplies are also safe and uncontaminated.
2. Never, ever, ever enter flood waters. It doesn’t matter if they are standing still or moving. Both are dangerous.
3. Beware of power lines that might have gone down or roads that might have been damaged by the waters.
4. Be cautious when entering buildings and homes because unfortunately, flood water is the master of both seen and unseen damage.
5. Always clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood water. Seriously guys treat this ish like it was poop water (because unfortunately, there’s a good chance it was).
6. Finally if you return to your home or business and find that there is damage beyond your control, give Slate Restoration call at 480-550-2511. We are pros at this! In no time we’ll be there to help you recover from the devastating effects of a flooding emergency in AZ. You can count on us.