Arizona Risk Readiness — Hazards, Maps & Tools

AZ hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

Phoenix is the deadliest major city for heat in the country. Maricopa County recorded 645 heat deaths in 2023 — the worst year on record. The 2023 summer saw 31 consecutive days above 110°F in Phoenix. Nighttime temperatures regularly stay above 90°F, denying the body recovery time. The outdoor worker population, homeless residents, and those without reliable AC face life-threatening risk from June through September. Arizona's forests and grasslands burn every spring and summer. The 2011 Wallow Fire in the White Mountains burned 538,000 acres — the largest in state history. The 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned 469,000 acres and destroyed 465 homes. The sky islands of southeastern Arizona and the Mogollon Rim are the most fire-exposed areas. Fire season runs April through August with a break during monsoon. Arizona's monsoon season (July–September) produces intense, localized rainfall that floods desert washes and slot canyons with terrifying speed. Flash floods are the deadliest weather hazard in Arizona after heat. Antelope Canyon, the area around Sedona, and mountain drainages throughout the state can flood from storms miles away with no local warning. Never enter a slot canyon or wash during monsoon season without checking weather upstream.

1

Heat waves

Extreme heat events endanger vulnerable residents and stress power infrastructure.

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2

Wildfire

Dry conditions, wind, and vegetation combine to create serious wildfire risk, particularly in dry seasons.

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3

Flooding

Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.

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4

Drought

Multi-year drought cycles affect water supply, agriculture, and wildfire risk.

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5

Severe thunderstorms

Damaging winds, hail, and lightning — the most frequent hazard in most US states.

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Official tools

Look up your address. Know your risk.

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.

Source: FEMA

USGS Earthquake Map

Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.

Source: USGS

Wildfire Risk Score

Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.

Source: USFS

River Gauges

Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.

Source: USGS WaterWatch

Drought Monitor

Weekly drought conditions by county.

Source: US Drought Monitor

Private Well Resources

Water quality guidance for households on private wells.

Source: EPA

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.

Standard homeowner's policies in Arizona exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.

Not in your standard policy

Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy

Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement

Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)

Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded

Next steps

Where do you want to go next?

During an emergency

Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.

NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.

Local Emergency

Get prepared

Run through the AZ checklist.

Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Arizona.

AZ Checklists