Maricopa County Emergency Management

06/19/2026

What makes emergency preparedness effective? Listening to the community.

Last week, the MCDEM team had the privilege of presenting to the incredible leadership group at For Our City Tempe. We covered topics ranging from go-bags and family emergency plans to Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), but some of the most valuable takeaways came from the discussions afterwards.

The thoughtful questions, lived experiences, and local perspectives shared by attendees highlighted the importance of community-driven preparedness. Conversations like these help us better understand the needs of residents and strengthen our ability to support Tempe before, during, and after emergencies.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such an engaging discussion. Together, we’re building a more informed, prepared, and resilient community. 👏

06/16/2026

Thank you to azfamily 3TV CBS 5 for highlighting this important initiative! The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management is proud to partner with Arizona Public Service (APS) and Pano AI to expand Arizona’s wildfire detection network with the installation of additional AI-powered wildfire detection cameras on Thompson Peak near Scottsdale.

These advanced 360-degree cameras use artificial intelligence to identify potential signs of wildfire, including smoke, and quickly alert human operators for verification. Once a potential threat is confirmed, notifications can be sent to local fire agencies, emergency management personnel, and other response partners, helping accelerate situational awareness and response efforts.

Early detection is critical when it comes to wildfires. By leveraging innovative technology and strong public-private partnerships, we are strengthening our ability to protect lives, property, and communities throughout Maricopa County.

Maricopa County is rolling out new tools that use artificial intelligence to spot fires early, before they grow into bigger, more dangerous problems.

06/11/2026

Extreme heat is one of Arizona’s most serious weather hazards, but you don’t have to face it alone. Maricopa County and the State of Arizona provide free resources to help residents stay safe, including cooling centers, hydration stations, heat alerts, transportation assistance, and up-to-date heat data. Whether you're looking for a place to cool off or information to help protect yourself and your loved ones, these tools can make a difference. Stay informed, stay hydrated, and know where to find help when temperatures rise.

To learn more about emergency preparedness in Maricopa County, especially when packing a heat exhaustion kit or go-bag, visit our website at maricopa.gov/ready. 🌞

06/04/2026

🚦 Ready, Set, Go! 🚦

The “Ready, Set, Go!” campaign, adopted by all fifteen Arizona Sheriffs, helps residents understand what actions to take before, during, and when evacuations become necessary.

🟢 READY – Prepare Now
• Know the hazards that can impact your community.
• Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications.
• Follow local emergency management, public health, and sheriff’s offices for updates.
• Create a family communication and evacuation plan.
• Build a 72-hour emergency go kit.
• Check in on neighbors, family members, and vulnerable loved ones.

🟡 SET – Be Alert
• Significant danger is in your area.
• Stay informed and monitor official updates.
• Gather your emergency go kit and prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Consider relocating early if conditions worsen.

🔴 GO! – Evacuate Immediately
• Danger is imminent and life-threatening.
• Leave immediately when instructed by emergency officials.
• Follow designated evacuation routes and directions from first responders.

Remember the 5 P’s of Evacuation:
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 People & Pets
💊 Prescriptions
📄 Papers
🎒 Personal Needs
📸 Priceless Items

Preparation starts before an emergency. Take steps today so you and your loved ones are ready when it matters most.

Learn more at: ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 🚨

06/03/2026

Protecting and serving is what they do best. Maricopa County Security Services (MCSS) was proud to support this morning’s Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Groundbreaking Ceremony. Our dedicated officers were on site to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in attendance, whether they walked on two legs or four. 🐶

The MCSS team is made up of experienced professionals, many of whom have backgrounds in local law enforcement, public safety, and related fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of those they serve.

Thank you to the men and women of MCSS! 👏

06/02/2026

Emergency management is built on the lessons of the past. By looking at how communities responded to emergencies and disasters throughout history, we can better understand what worked, what didn’t, and how residents can prepare for future events. Here in Maricopa County, we learn from our history, and from the experiences of those who lived through it, to help keep our communities safe and resilient.

Learn more about preparedness by visiting our website, where there are premade checklists, educational materials, and more: Maricopa.gov/ready 🚨