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Maricopa County hurricane guide

The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management plans for disasters and says flooding, wildfires, and the Palo Verde Generating Station are the county's top three hazards. The county's Flood Control District says that even though the county is a desert, summer monsoon storms bring flash flooding to usually dry washes, that six inches of water can knock you off your feet, and that two feet of water can float away your car. It says to be ready to find another route and never drive around barricades.

Checked on October 10, 2026

Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.

What to know in Maricopa County

  • The Flood Control District says it maintains 355 automated rain gauges in and around the county, with a real-time rainfall map, and that sandbags should be ½ to ⅔ full and stacked in a brick pattern at entrances.

Emergency and information numbers

Service Number Notes
Emergency 911 Police, fire, and ambulance. Call only when someone's life or property is in danger.
Emergency management office 602-273-1411 Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix. Not for emergencies.
Sheriff's Office non-emergency 602-876-1011 For police matters that are not emergencies.

Official alerts and information

  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Alerts sent to WEA-enabled phones in the affected area. The county says you do not need to download an app or subscribe. Website.
  • Maricopa County Monsoon and flood safety: Flood Control District guidance on flooding, dust storms, sandbags, and extreme heat, with rainfall maps. Website.
  • Maricopa County Preparedness: Go bag, emergency kit, and family plan guidance. Website.

Evacuation centers

Open only when announced

Evacuation centers open only when officials announce them, and not every center opens for every storm. Check the official list of open centers before you leave home. Bring your own bedding, food, water, and medicines.

Shelters open only when local officials announce them. Check your county alerts and local news to find out whether a shelter is open near you, and do not go to a site until it is announced as open. If officials tell you to evacuate, leave right away.

Cities and towns

Each city has its own services and some have their own alerts. The county's evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts cover everyone, in every city and in unincorporated areas.

Sources

Checked on October 10, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.