Monitor the Weather

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees the National Weather Service (NWS). Both agencies help community decision-makers and residents understand the risks of severe weather, monitor threatening situations, and take action when necessary.

• General weather information: www.weather.gov
  
  
• The NWS Phoenix Office website will show local warnings for flood forecasts and all types of significant weather: www.weather.gov/psr/
  
  
• Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio. Forecasts and alerts are broadcast during emergencies.

Do you know the difference between a Flood Advisory, Flood Watch or a Flood Warning? According to the National Weather Service:

• Flood Advisory = Be Aware

• Flood Watch = Be Prepared

• Flood Warning = Take Action

For additional information refer to Flood Warning vs. Flood Watch.

The Maricopa County Flood Control District has a wealth of information available on their website including gauges that provide a real-time overview of how much rain has fallen during storms. These real-time gauges are very useful to see where the most rain has fallen and where the potential for flooding is in the valley. Real Time Gauges (Best for desktops)

• Real-Time Gauges (Best for desktops)

• Real-Time Gauges (Best for mobile)
  

Resources

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides several handouts on floodplain related activities – from building and rebuilding in a floodplain to preparing for a storm. Listed below are just a few of the brochures that are available:

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program); although www.floodsmart.gov is the best place to start.

• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards: This is a technical publication for people installing manufactured homes to help them to understand how to keep safe from flooding. It includes technical specifications for different installation instructions.

• Protecting Building Utility Systems from Flood Damage: Another technical document that illustrates the design and construction of utility systems that comply with the NFIP requirements of new residential and non-residential structures in flood prone areas.

• Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Developed for homeowner’s who want to protect their homes from flooding. It is designed for readers who have little or no experience with flood protection methods or building construction techniques.

For information relative to what should you do to prepare for a flood, during a flood and after a flood refer to Floods. This website provides flood information resulting from rain, overflow of dams, flash floods. If you know what to do before, during and after a flood you can increase your chances to better protect your property.

To learn more information about other hazards in your community, visit the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management website and review the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

To learn about hazards and how to prepare for emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.