Arizona · Preparedness Guide
Extreme heat that kills hundreds every summer, wildfires across the forests, flash floods in desert canyons, and a power grid stressed to its limits in July and August.
About this guide
Arizona's most dangerous hazard is not dramatic — it is slow and invisible. Extreme heat kills an average of 600+ people per year in Maricopa County alone, making it the deadliest weather hazard per capita in the country. The record 2023 Phoenix heat wave saw 31 consecutive days above 110°F. But heat is not Arizona's only hazard — the 2011 Wallow Fire burned 538,000 acres across the White Mountains. Monsoon season (July–September) brings flash floods in slot canyons that kill hikers with no warning. The Navajo Nation and rural tribal communities face compounded hazards with limited infrastructure. And the Colorado River water supply — critical for 40 million people across 7 states — is in a 25-year crisis that directly affects Arizona's long-term habitability.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Extreme Heat, Wildfires, Flash Floods & Monsoon Flooding
AZ has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5a (Flagstaff highlands / 7,000 ft) to 10b (Yuma / Sonoran Desert)
Unemployment: up to $320/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the AZ risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours