Yuma County Office of Emergency Management

07/31/2026

🚨 Tomorrow marks the beginning of National Emergency Management Awareness Month! 🚨
Tomorrow, we kick off National Emergency Management Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emergency preparedness and the partnerships that help keep our communities safe.
At Yuma County Emergency Management, our mission is to help our residents, businesses, and visitors prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of disasters. Whether it's extreme heat, flooding, severe storms, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, or other emergencies, preparedness starts long before an incident occurs.
Throughout the month of August, we'll be sharing preparedness tips, resources, and information to help you and your family become more resilient.
Here are a few simple ways you can get started:
✅ Build or update your emergency kit.
✅ Create a family emergency communication plan.
✅ Stay informed by monitoring trusted weather and emergency alerts.
✅ Know the hazards that can affect Yuma County.
Interested in taking preparedness to the next level? Yuma County Emergency Management will be offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes in the future! CERT training provides hands-on skills in disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization, empowering residents to safely assist their families, neighbors, and communities during emergencies. Stay tuned for upcoming class announcements!
Prepared communities are stronger communities. Join us this month as we work together to make Yuma County safer and more resilient.

07/30/2026

🌡️ EXTREME HEAT WARNING CONTINUES THROUGH SUNDAY 🌡️

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Yuma County through 8:00 PM MST on Sunday, August 2.

🔥 Weekend Forecast:
Friday: High near 113°F
Saturday: High near 116°F
Sunday: High near 114°F

Dangerous Major to Extreme HeatRisk is expected throughout the weekend, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration.

☀️ Heat Safety Reminders:
💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible. Fans alone may not be enough during extreme heat.
🕙 Limit outdoor activities between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
👕 Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
🚗 Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle.
🤝 Check on neighbors, family members, and others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

While isolated thunderstorms are possible over Arizona's higher terrain, no significant relief is expected for Yuma County.

Stay informed, stay hydrated, and stay safe.

07/30/2026

Yuma County Emergency Management is proud to host the ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents course this week at the Yuma County Emergency Operations Center.

We are pleased to welcome participants from local, state, federal, and tribal agencies who have come together to strengthen their emergency management and incident response capabilities. Training like ICS-300 helps build a common operating framework, enhances coordination across jurisdictions, and ensures we are better prepared to work together when our communities need us most.

Thank you to everyone attending and to our instructors for sharing their expertise. Strong partnerships and continuous training are the foundation of a resilient Yuma County.

07/20/2026

☀️ EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES & SUMMER HEAT ☀️
A prolonged power outage during a Yuma County summer can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Plan now so your household is ready to stay safe without air conditioning.
Before an outage:
🔋 Keep phones, backup batteries and rechargeable fans fully charged.
💧 Store plenty of drinking water.
🚗 Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank at least half full.
💊 Make a backup plan for refrigerated medicine and electrically powered medical equipment.
📻 Have a battery-powered weather radio, flashlights and extra batteries available.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Know where you can go if your home becomes dangerously hot.
During an extended outage:
🌡️ If your home becomes too hot, relocate to an air-conditioned location or cooling center.
💧 Drink water regularly—even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
👵 Check on older adults, young children, people with disabilities, neighbors living alone and pets.
🚪 Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. A refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours. A full freezer may maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours—or 24 hours if half full. When in doubt, throw it out.
⚡ Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity returns.
🚫 Never use a generator, grill or fuel-burning device inside a home, garage or enclosed area. Keep generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents.
Know the signs of heat illness. Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea or muscle cramps may indicate heat exhaustion. Confusion, fainting, seizures or a very high body temperature may indicate heat stroke—call 911 immediately.
📍 Find current Yuma County cooling centers and water sites: https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/health-district/surviving-yuma-s-heat
➡️ More power-outage and emergency-preparedness information:
https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
⚡ Check current APS outages and available restoration information:
https://outagemap.aps.com/outageviewer/
Do not wait until the power goes out—make your plan today and check on those who may need extra help.

07/16/2026

🌩️ MONSOON WEATHER UPDATE – STAY WEATHER AWARE 🌩️
The National Weather Service is monitoring a weather system that is expected to bring the greatest impacts to southeastern and central Arizona over the next couple of days, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong thunderstorms, gusty outflow winds, blowing dust, and localized flash flooding.
While the highest threat remains east of Yuma County, residents should continue to monitor changing weather conditions as monsoon activity can shift quickly.
Although Yuma County is not expected to receive the most significant impacts, residents should prepare for:
⚡ Strong wind gusts from thunderstorm outflows
🌬️ Areas of blowing dust that can rapidly reduce visibility
🌧️ Brief periods of heavy rainfall
⚠️ Localized flooding in normally dry washes and low-lying areas
🌵 Remember: We are in Arizona's Monsoon Season. Storms can develop rapidly and conditions can change with little warning.
Stay Safe During Monsoon Storms
✅ Never drive through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don't Drown®
✅ If you encounter blowing dust, slow down, pull completely off the roadway, turn off your lights, and keep your foot off the brake until conditions improve.
✅ Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects before strong winds arrive.
✅ Move indoors immediately if lightning is nearby.
✅ Keep multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
✅ Have an emergency kit ready with water, flashlights, batteries, and other essential supplies.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.

07/15/2026

🌩️ Yuma County Emergency Management Weather Update | July 15, 2026 🌡️
Stay weather-aware over the next several days as extreme heat transitions into a more active monsoon pattern.
🔥 TODAY (Wednesday)
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through 8:00 PM MST/PDT Thursday.
High temperatures will reach around 110°F in Yuma, with heat indices as high as 117-120°F in some areas.
Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on family, friends, neighbors, and pets.
⛈️ THIS AFTERNOON & EVENING
Thunderstorms developing over Arizona's higher terrain may send strong outflow winds into the lower deserts.
Yuma County has a 30-50% chance of experiencing gusty winds this afternoon and evening.
Blowing dust could quickly reduce visibility on area roadways, and isolated heavy rain is possible if storms develop over the lower deserts.
🌧️ THURSDAY & FRIDAY
Monsoon moisture continues to increase, bringing higher chances for showers and thunderstorms across the region.
While this may provide some relief from the heat, it also increases the potential for:
⚡ Frequent lightning
💨 Strong, gusty winds
🌫️ Blowing dust
🌧️ Heavy rainfall
🚧 Ponding of water on roads and longer travel times
🌊 Flash flooding in washes and low-lying areas
✅ Safety Reminders
Never drive through flooded roadways—Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions if traveling.
Secure loose outdoor items before strong winds arrive.
Keep multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if spending time outdoors.

07/06/2026

06/25/2026

🎆 Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July!

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, Yuma County Emergency Management wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Whether you're attending a barbecue, spending the day on the Colorado River, enjoying the pool, or watching fireworks, remember these important safety tips:

☀️ Beat the Heat
💧 Drink plenty of water—even if you don't feel thirsty.
🧢 Wear light-colored clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
🌴 Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
🚗 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

🎇 Fireworks Safety
🎆 Leave the large fireworks to the professionals whenever possible.
🧯 Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
👨‍👩‍👧 Always supervise children around sparklers and fireworks.
🚫 Never relight fireworks that fail to ignite.

🔥 Help Prevent Wildfires
🌵 Dry desert vegetation can ignite quickly this time of year.
🚫 Never use fireworks near dry grass, brush, or open desert areas.
📞 If you see an unattended fire, report it immediately by calling 911.

🚤 Water & Recreation Safety
🦺 Wear a life jacket when boating or participating in water activities.
🚫 Never operate a boat or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
🌊 Be aware of changing river conditions and watch children closely around water.
📱 Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

🍔 Grill Safely
🔥 Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures and dry vegetation.
👀 Never leave a hot grill unattended.
🧯 Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby if possible.

🐶 Don't Forget Your Pets
Many pets become frightened by fireworks. Keep them indoors in a secure, comfortable place with identification tags or a microchip in case they become lost.

🚨 Stay Aware
Monitor local weather conditions, stay hydrated, and call 911 immediately in the event of an emergency.

From all of us at Yuma County Emergency Management, have a fun, safe, and memorable Fourth of July! 🎇

Prepare. Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

06/23/2026

🔥 EXTREME HEAT WARNING FOR YUMA COUNTY 🔥

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Yuma County and the Lower Colorado River Valley on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to peak between 112°F and 114°F. A Major HeatRisk is forecast, increasing the danger of heat-related illnesses for anyone spending extended time outdoors.

☀️ What to Expect
• High temperatures near or above 110°F through Friday
• Peak heat Wednesday and Thursday (112–114°F)
• Warm overnight lows, limiting recovery from daytime heat
• Elevated fire weather concerns developing Friday and Saturday due to hot, dry, and windy conditions

✅ Heat Safety Tips
💧 Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible
🌳 Limit outdoor activities, especially between 10 AM and 6 PM
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
🚗 Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a vehicle
🐾 Ensure pets have shade and plenty of fresh water

Check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to extreme heat. Heat remains one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States.

Stay informed and monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service and trusted local sources.