Emergency Preparedness Guide 2023

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 2 0 2 PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

The Arizona Daily Sun in cooperation with Coconino County,which is responsible for managing emergency response and planning, is pleased to present the fourth annual Emergency Preparedness Guide

Coconino County is a land of spectacular beauty that offers unparalleled, year-roundenjoymenttobothresidents and visitors; however, enjoying all that Northern Arizona has to offer comes at a cost in the form of natural disasters that include wildfires, flooding, blizzards and even tornadoes To this end it is incredibly important to be aware,

preparedandinformedbeforeanemergency happens

This winter,we were lucky to receive record-breaking snowfall, which has, with the help of our fire crews, helped mitigate a few fires spotted around the county This,however,does not change the fact that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. While this guide his intended to help readers educate themselves, it should also serve as a reminder that, when the time comes we must act as a team to keep ourselves, our families our properties and our natural resources protected.

Within the pages of this comprehensive guide, you will find a wealth of vital information and practical advice to help you navigate through any crisis that may arise.

The Arizona Daily Sun and Coconino County thanks you for taking the time to review these important materials and take the necessary steps to keep you and your loved ones safe, and with that, please enjoy the 2023 Emergency Preparedness Guide.

KNOW READY, SET, GO!

The greatest threats within Coconino Cwounty are wildfires and post-wildfire flooding. All residents need to be prepared in advance for both.

Regardless of the type of emergency, there are some basic preparednesstermsandstepsthatcan be taken and summarized in the familiar adage: Ready,Set,Go

Here’s everything you need to knowaboutthisimportantphrase:

READY This means prepare now!

Be aware of hazards that can threaten your community. Coconino County residents should always be in a stateof Ready especially during the summer months when conditions can turn quickly. Take the following steps now to prepare for seasonal threats:

 Register with the County Emergency Notification system at coconino.az.gov/ready

 Connectwiththe localEmergency Management office, Sheriff’s Office and public health department on social media. Follow

@coconinocounty on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 Make a family evacuationand communicationplanthatincludes family phone numbers, out-oftown contacts and family meeting locations

 Build an emergency go-kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy. StartwiththefiveP’s:Papers,Pets, Prescriptions, Pictures and Personal computers.

 Checkinwithyourneighbors, family, friends and elders through videochatsorphonecallstoensure they are READY.

 Keepup to date onlocal news weather watches, weather warnings andpublichealthrecommendations.

SET Be alert

Knowthereissignificantdanger inyourareaassoonasthiswarning isissued.Evacuationcouldhappen at any time after the Set status is declared and, in some cases, with little warning.

Everyone has a part to play in responding to an emergency. Learn about what you can do to be prepared.

Be prepared for any disaster

Flagstaff isn’t exempt from disaster and it’s important to be prepared for anything that happens Here’s what you need to do during the following emergencies:

Flood emergency

 Do not enter drainages at any time, even if they’re dry.

 Don’t let your children play in drainages at any time, even if they’re dry.

 If a flood emergency occurs,then shelter in place. This means take immediate shelter indoors,whether in your home,school,business or public building.

 If outdoors, then get to high ground or go into your home.

 Know where your children and pets are at all times

 Keep the area around your property clear

The5P'sof Evacuation

 Stay aware of the latest news andinformationfrompublicsafety and public health officials.

 This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO

GO Evacuate immediately

Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening. It is imperative to leave the impacted area immediately.

 Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family or friends outside of the affected area

 If you choose to ignore this advisement,thenyoumustunderstandthatemergencyservicesmay not be able to assist you further

 Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter orwithfamilyor friendsoutside of the affected area

of debris and items that could be washed away during a flood event.

 For more information, visit coconino az.gov/after-a-flood.

Fire emergency

 Abide by evacuation orders.

 Stay tuned to emergency notifications

 FollowCoconinoCountysocialmediapages.

 Grab your emergency go-kit.

 Keepinminduniqueneedsfor your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.

 Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas. For more information, please visit coconino az.gov/ready-set-go guide

Tetris with an excavator

Crews nearing completion on Schultz Creek flood work

ADRIAN SKABELUND Sun Staff Reporter

Tetris: that’s the way Tiffany Construction general superintendent Michael Garrison described their work on new county flood infrastructure within Schultz Creek

Using excavators the crew sorts through a pile of huge boulders, fitting them together like puzzle pieces

The boulders are either buried in the ground in long lines, blocking the flow of water and forcing it to slow down or spread out, or line the channel of the creek to reduce erosion

But how each boulder fits is important, so each piece of the puzzle can support one another, Garrison said

“We are playing the world’s biggest game of Tetris, that’s exactly what we are doing,” Garrison said, gesturing toward the team of three who were working the creek in the heat of Friday afternoon

“There’s Jeff on the [excava-

tor], he’ll have a bundle of rocks over here He gets his first one in, what we call the throat rock, and then he starts sorting He’ll lay out four or five rocks, kind of getting his plan ” Garrison said “The guys that are doing this are truly artists I’ve got half a dozen that specialize in these structures”

Garrison said they are hoping to have the project completed by the end of this week, before the potential onset of monsoons create challenges for the project

The work comes as a response to the onset of post-fire flooding in the wake of last year’s Pipeline Fire that impacted large portions of west Flagstaff neighborhoods

But for the amount of work that has occurred within the area of lower Schultz Creek, the landscape looks notably similar to its state before the construction began

That’s largely the result of a new technique for this project rather than the creation of a traditional alluvial fan, said County

Flood District Administrator Lucinda Andreani

Trails changes coincide

The Schultz flood mitigation work is all occurring within the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District, and Flagstaff District Recreation Officer Pat McGervey said the work has been an opportunity to make several previously planned changes to the recreation network in the area

Case in point several of the dams created for the plug and spread cut straight through what had been the Schultz Creek Trailhead and parking area

Given the low-lying nature of that trailhead forest officials have long known the trailhead is at risk for flooding and will need to be moved, McGervey said

Indeed, the trailhead and many sections of the Schultz trail were badly impacted by the post-fire flooding last year

And such a move was included within the Mount Elden Dry Lake

Please see CREEK, Page 11

Hills Recreation Project which outlined a long list of improvements and new trail construction in the area McGervey said the county s work in lower Schultz Creek fit well with that plan which among other things, sought to relocate large sections of trails out of the creek and higher on the slope So the timing on working with the county on this is really great for us that we could use the staging area that Tiffany Construction needed to construct the project and turn that into a public parking area for trailhead in the future And we can kind of abandon these low-lying areas ” McGervey said And then there were about eight reroutes to the Schultz Creek Trail and to bring it higher out of the bottom and so we started on that after the floods last fall and then continued that this spring And so we did finish that about a month ago ”

RACHEL GIBBONS PHOTOS ARIZONA DAILY SUN

A backhoe works to Tetris some rocks together in a washed-out creek bed near the Schultz Creek trailhead The rocks are placed in the bed to help prevent further erosion during future flood events

STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit would like to provide some safety tips for outdoor recreation. Being prepared for your activity and unexpected emergencies will help us help you.

„ Let a trusted person know where you are recreating and what your itinerary is If you do not check in by an agreed upon time, then that person can contact the Sheriff’s Office to make a report.

„ Check the weather before you head out. Sometimes the weather can make your activity unsafe.Remember that the mountain, trail, lake, or canyon that you are planning to hike,climb, or boat on will still be there another day when the conditions are better

„ Carry the Ten Essentials and a fully charged cell phone. If you have an emergency, then try to call 911 even if it looks like your cell phone does not have service.

Ten Essentials

Being equipped with the right essentials is an easy way to stop a minor event from turning into a major emergency. Remember to never head out to go hiking, camping or backpacking without these critical items:

„ Water „ Food

„ Extra warm clothing

„ Navigation equipment, like a map, compass or GPS

„ Headlamp or flashlight

„ First aid kit

„ Shelter material, including a large leaf bag or space blanket

„ Fire starting kit or backpacking stove. Remember to be extremely careful with fire in the summer and follow posted fire restrictions

„ Pocket knife or multi-tool

„ Whistle and signal mirror

The Hug-A-Tree principles

We recommend discussing and following the Hug-A-Tree principles when recreating outdoors with children. These key points will make it easier for Search and Rescue to find you if you get lost.

Prepare before you go: Tell an adult where you are going and when you expect to be be back. If you are going on a hike, always go with a buddy and remember to

take a pack pack stocked with a jacket, rain gear, water, food and a flashlight. Ask your parents/ guardians to take a picture of the tread on your shoe with a tape measure or ruler in the photo.This is so Search and Rescue can track

you and more quickly find you. Stay where you are when lost: If you think you are lost, then stop moving. This is the most important part of the HugA-Tree program. If there is a tree, then sit next to it. If there aren’t

any, instead sit down next to a rock or a shrub or anything that you can relax and lean against. It will make it harder to find you if you keep moving after you think you are lost.

Stay warm and dry: Your

jacket can keep you warm when you start to get cold. Rain gear or a space blanket or even a plastic garbage bag with a hole in it to ensure you can breathe will keep you dry. Stuff the garbage bag with dry leaves or pine needles for added insulation to help keep warm. When you sit down, build a seat made of sticks or rocks to help keep dry.Remember to never start a fire.

Help us find you: Wearing bright colors like red, yellow brightgreenandbluemakesiteasier for searchers to spot you, even if you are in a shaded area Waving yourbrightcoloredjacketwillhelp even more. Always take a whistle and use it as the sound generally carries better than your voice and it’s easier to blow a whistle for a much longer time than yelling. A flashlight can be seen during the day and at night. Remember to always take a good oneeven if hiking during the day and make sure the batteries are charged

Stay safe during monsoon season

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue has added another very important teaching concerning lightning. Thisisespeciallyimportantduring Arizona’sannualmonsoonseason.

Seek shelter as soon as you see dark clouds appearing, winds increasing,and feel the temperature dropping. A safe place might be a house or car. If you cannot get to a safe place and are near the top of a hill or mountain, then quickly head back downhill. You don’t want to be the tallest thing around if you hear thunder or see lightning. Try to find an area of similar height trees if you are in an open area and stay a few feet away from them.

If you can’t get to a safe place then you should get into the lightning safety position. Bring your feet together as tightly as you can, coveryourearsandstayinthatposition until about 30 minutes after the storm passes. If you are with a group of people, then you should spread out but not so far that you can no longer see each other.

Take care, be safe and enjoy the outdoors!

RACHEL GIBBONS ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Search and rescue trainee Bill McNaul rappels off the edge of “The Big Rock” in Kachina Village during a difficult edge transition training session.

COURTESY OF COCONINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Members of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit at work

When the power goes out, in many parts of the country,the generators come on As easy as these machines can make life while the electricity grid is down, they can also pose a serious threat

From 2011-2021, at least 770 people died in the U S from carbon monoxide while using portable generators Here’s how to keep your family from becoming a statistic

Carbon Monoxide

Diesel and gas generators kick out more than just amps to power your home. They also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide that can threaten your family

Carbon monoxide is a colorless odor-less

gas that can kill before you’re even aware it s there.

Generators should always be placed outside and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages That lessens the opportunity for carbon monoxide to build up in your home You should also have plenty of carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Check them regularly and as part of your emergency preparations If one of the alarms goes off move out-side to fresh air right away Remember even if you open doors windows and use fans, that will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up if you use a gen-

erator indoors You can’t smell the dangerous gas and won t know if it s building up to dangerous levels If you’re using a generator and start to feel sick,dizzy

Live in a Flood Area?

Here’s How to Prepare

From post-wildfire flooding to extreme snowmelt, there are numerous reasons that residents of Coconino County may experience flooding. It’s important to know the flood risk of your area, which can usually be determined by reviewing FEMA flood maps at www.fema.gov/flood-maps

However FEMA maps will not portray flood risk caused by wildfire, which impacts thousands of residents in the Flagstaff area and Coconino County For more information about post-wildfire flood area, please visit www coconino az gov/1450/Flood-Control-District.

If you do reside in a flood area, there are crucial steps you should take before, during, and after flooding to help protect your health and safety

Before Flooding

SHORT-TERM MITIGATION

If you expect flooding, one of the best things you can do to protect your home is to construct short-term mitigation. Most often,this means building a sandbag wall For post-wildfire flood areas the Coconino County Flood Control District has engineered spe-

cific recommendations regarding the height and placement of sandbag walls that can be found at www coconino.az.gov/2929/

Recommended-Flood-Mitigation-Exhibits The same site also contains information about how to obtain sandbags from one the free pick-up points

When building a sandbag wall, here are some key things to keep in mind:

„ Only use a sandbag wall to protect a residence, not a property line or outbuilding Sandbags are a limited resource and the impact of floodwaters is lessened when water can spread

out use public sandbag resources efficiently by focusing on the protection of your home and letting floodwaters spread on your property as much as possible.

„ Use the pyramid placement method. Place the sandbags to form a pyramid by altering header courses (bags placed

crosswise) and stretcher courses (bags placed lengthwise). Stamp each bag in place, overlap sacks, maintain staggered joint placement, and tuck in any loose ends

„ For more information visit www coconino az gov/PipelineSandbagInfo.

SECURE LOOSE OBJECTS

Before flooding occurs walk your property and secure all loose objects Objects like chairs tables BBQs etc will become dangerous floating objects during a flash flood.

CLEAR DRAINAGES

Remember to clear out any drainages of obstructions such as downed trees, sediment, and debris Driveway culverts are the responsibility of property owners If you have a driveway culvert, please make sure that it is clear enough for water to flow through it.

LOCATE UTILITIES

Know where your electrical circuit breaker panel, gas, and water shutoffs are located and how to turn these utilities off in case of emergency

PREPARE YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM FOR A FLOOD

Make sure all septic tanks are full. High-water season is not the

Please see FLOOD Page L11

For longer than Arizona’s statehood, we have prioritized providing reliable energy to the state’s growing population. Historically, our crews have prepared for northern Arizona’s harshest winter weather, ensuring line workers and outage restoration equipment are ready to respond to severely snowy conditions Today, our crews across the state must also prepare for wildfires

As wildfires become a year-round concern in northern Arizona’s forests and throughout the state, we have developed a comprehensive fire mitigation plan to prevent, mitigate, and respond to wildfires The plan includes strategies to prevent and reduce wildfires mitigate impacts on infrastructure, and implement a quick and effective power restoration response.

Our comprehensive fire mitigation plan employs several year-round tactics to prepare for elevated fire conditions including:

Clearing vegetation and other potential hazards from around our equipment. Working with local fire departments and the Forest Service on wildfire safety plans, including creating and following protocols to use in the event of a wildfire.

„ Partnering with communities to increase awareness about reducing fire risks „ Visually inspecting power poles and other electrical equipment on a regular basis.

Protocols protect firefighters, communities

We recognize that in times of extreme fire conditions, appropriate actions must be taken to protect the communities we serve, first responders, natural resources, and the electrical infrastructure that customers rely on during every season

In times of an active fire we work closely with fire departments to ensure the safety of those responding to the fire In such cases, we may need to de-energize overhead power lines to protect the firefighters working underneath and around the lines

While we understand that any disruption of power is an inconvenience to customers, these protocols put the safety of first responders, communities, and field

crews first.

To prepare for outages, we encourage customers to update their contact information online to receive outage alerts in their area In addition, customers can download the free APS mobile app or visit aps.com/outagecenter to access our outage map The outage map provides real-time information such as estimated time of restoration and cause of the outage. If a public safety emergency or pro-

longed power outage occurs, emergency shelter, and ice reimbursement information can also be found on the map.

Most wildfires are preventable

Every year 9 out of 10 wildfires are human caused, which means that they may be preventable. We encourage the public to take the following steps to help prevent fires and protect their property:

„ When working outdoors, always have a water source and shovel nearby and never leave a fire unattended.

„ Know before you go—check fire restriction information if you’re camping.

If allowed, always put out a campfire completely by making sure it’s cool to the touch before you walk away

„ When towing a vehicle, make sure tow chains are secured and don’t have the potential to drag before you hit the road

„ Create defensible space on your property by clearing vegetation around your home and avoid planting any vegetation within a 10-foot radius around utility equipment on your property.

While fire conditions will begin to improve in the coming months it’s never too late or too early to prepare and practice active involvement in preventing wildfires in order to protect our state’s natural resources and communities.

Additional resources and information on how we prepare and respond to wildfires are available at aps.com/wildfiresafety

The Guidance Center

DEVON FORREST, CEO

Fortunately for many people, emergencies may be the exception rather than a common occurrence.

Butfor those of usatThe Guidance Center,we address crises and emergencies every day With the focus on mental health and wellbeing, our message, “We are here when you need us,” is as true as it gets One in five Americans live with a diagnosable mentalillness;TheGuidanceCenterofferstreatment and support through a variety of mental health services We believe that improving the healthofNorthernArizonaresidentsbenefitsthe entire region

When a friend or loved one living with serious mentalillnessneedsadditionalsupport,theycan stay at our residential treatment center and receive care around the clock or they may access our 24-hour crisis care, stabilization, and observation services as needed After release from ourinpatientpsychiatrichospital,TheGuidance Center will continue to support member health outcomes with a complete continuum of outpatient services

Community members experiencing new or changing mental and behavioral health symptoms are always encouraged to participate in an assessment at The Guidance Center and work with our teams to determine which of our services would best suit their needs moving forward

As a Northern Arizona service provider for 54 years, The Guidance Center evolves each year to meet the needs of our communities Along with our remodeled 44-bed inpatient care unit, our outpatientservicesarrayhasexpandedtoinclude numerous telemedicine options.

We’re here for families in the region facing mental health-related emergencies The Children’s Studio at TheGuidance Center provides a longlistofservicesforteens youth andfamilies

Alongwithourboard-certifiedchildandadolescentpsychiatrists,ourteamincludescounselors, therapists, and care managers. Our continuum of services also includes cognitive and applied behavior analysis.

The Children’s Studio offers school-based programs as well as family and children’s programs.AtTheGuidanceCenter familiesaresupported through autism spectrum disorder education, care, therapy, and many other services

Another valuable partof ourmission is assisting individuals with substance abuse disorders

Throughourinpatientandoutpatientprograms, we help people positively change their lives through a shared goal of building resiliency Our team of experts brings knowledge and compassion to our neighbors and community members, manywhocontinuetoliveinrecoveryfromdrugs and alcohol.

Since the pandemic began more than three yearsago,TheGuidanceCenteralsohasexpanded itstechnology-enhancedservices Mentalhealth supportisofferedinpersonandonline.Weenvisionafuturewheretechnology-enhancedmental healthcarefurtherstrengthensourcommunities through evidence-based practices

At the Guidance Center, we feel fortunate to have served the community for 54 years. While most of our focus is on advancing mental health and wellbeing of individuals, we’ve also been there during numerous regional emergencies including last year’s wildfires and subsequent floods.Ourdedicatedstaffmembersandspecialized providers are the ones who make possible our daily momentum.

Mental health emergencies and crises happen every day. And we’re here when you need us 2187 N. Vickey Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 527-1899 (888) 681-1899 tgcaz.org

PROTECTING PETS AND LIVESTOCK

companion pets than they will for livestock animals The following sections will help you get started on your kits

Pets

„ You are responsible for the safety, feeding, and care of your livestock at all times, including in an emergency

„ Ensure all animals have some form of identification that includes your name, telephone number, and anotheremergencytelephonenumber where someone can be reached

Pets are part of our family, and they should also be part of your emergency plan Please don’t forget to make a plan for your companion pets and livestock animals when it comes to evacuations or other crises Ifanimalsareapartofyourdaily life then they should also be part of your emergency planning

Step one: sign up for emergency notifications at coconino.az.gov/ ready Emergency alerts are sent 24/7 when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property Signing up is free Message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone service.

Steptwo:makeaplan Ifyouhave aplaninplaceforyouandyourpets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress, and worry when you need to decide what to do during an emergency

Step three: build an emergency kit Kits will look different for

Take your pets with you if you are notified to evacuate Pets should wearacollarorharness,aswellasan identification tag Dogs specifically must wear a license and rabies tags Build an emergency kit for your pets that includes the following:

„ Pet food and water with familiar dishes

„ Medications

„ Collapsible cage or carrier

„ Leash

„ Grooming items, such as a brush, shampoo, and conditioner

„ Comforting toys or treats

„ Litter, litter pan, litter scoop

„ Plastic bags for clean-up

Livestock

Disaster preparedness is important for all animals, but it is particularly important for horses, cows, goats, and other farm animals due to their unique sizes and transportation needs

„ Ensure you have any vehicles and/or trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal Also make sure to have experienced handlers and drivers ready to go

„ Know where you will take your animals in an emergency evacuation Plan with a friend or another livestock animal owner to stable your animals if needed

„ In the case of an evacuation a large animal shelter may be opened WatchCoconinoCountyHealthand HumanServicessocialmedia(facebook com/CoconinoCountyHHS) to be notified if a shelter has been opened

„ Inform friends and neighbors of your evacuation plans Post detailed instructions in several places so everyone knows what to expect

„ Place your animals vital informationinawatertightenvelopeand keep in a safe place This should include veterinary papers and details about medications

„ Prepare a basic livestock first aid kit that is portable and easily accessible

„ Be sure to have a supply of water hay feed and medications for several days

„ It is important that your animals are comfortable with being loaded onto a trailer If they are unaccustomed to being loaded onto a trailer practice the procedure to ensure they’re able to reliably and safely load up

For more information on preparing your pets for disasters, please visit ready gov/pets

Here are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself today:

„ Have you signed up for emergency notifications at coconino az gov/ready to be notified of emergencies in your area?

„ Does a neighbor or family

Trucks pulling horse trailers race down Highway 89 through Timberline evacuating livestock in response to the Tunnel Fire

time to have tanks pumped because empty tanks are buoyant and may float out of the ground when water tables are high. Plug floor drains to keep sewage from backing up into house. Floodwaters may still enter through cracks and seams Seal all the septic system’s possible points of entry If possible, seal the manhole and inspection ports to keep excess water out of the tank. Waterproof all electrical connections to avoid electrical shock and damage to wiring, pumps, and the electrical system. Replace cracked damaged, or missing septic system caps Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris and must be professionally cleaned. If you have any questions, then please contact a licensed septic tank professional.

PURCHASE OR RENEW FLOOD INSURANCE

Flood insurance is the most reliable way to re-coup financial damages resulting from a flood If you live in a flood area, it is highly recommended that you maintain a flood insurance policy through a private insurer or through the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information, visit www coconino az gov/1392/ NFIP-Flood-Insurance

SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

The Coconino County Emergency Management team uses various methods to notify residents of impending emergencies such as flash floods Be sure that you’re receiving these alerts by signing up for Emergency Notifications at www coconino az.gov/2612/Emergency-Notification-System.

During a Flood SHELTER IN PLACE OR

SEEK HIGH GROUND

When a Flood Alert is received,

Plan

From L10

member have a key to your home so they can get to your pets during an emergency if you are in the hospital, or you are unable to get home?

 Does each of your companion animals have a go bag packed with seven days of food and water, medications, photos of the pet, medical records, and leashes and collars in addition to a carrier to safely contain them?

 Doyouhaveaplanforevacuating your livestock animals?

Do your livestock know how to load into a trailer? Do you have a trailer, or do you know someone who can help with transport?

Are your livestock on any medicationsanddoyouhaveacopyof medical records available?

 Are your animals microchipped?Whenwasthelasttime youdoublecheckedthatyourpet record has your correct contact information?

 Doyouhavealistofcontact information that may be needed when you are away from home? This typically includes the contact information for the veterinarian, boarding facility, animal shelter and local friends/family

 Make sure to stay informed of current conditions and pay attention to emergency notifications Itisimportanttoalways have a plan for your family, including your pets!

people indoors or close to an indoor location should shelter in place immediately Do not evacuate! In flash flooding situations, road travel can become perilous, and vehicles may be stuck or swept away by floodwaters

People who are outdoors during a flash flood should relocate to the nearest high ground immediately

AVOID FLOODWATERS

Keep your family and pets away from floodwater Standing water hides dangers including chemicals and sharp debris Moving floodwater can be lethal and quickly sweep people and animals downstream

AVOID IMPACTED AREAS

Please do not visit flood-impacted areas In addition to being dangerous your presence in these areas may hamper emergency operations, utility repairs, or other vital operations

After a Flood RETURNING HOME

If you are away from home during a flash flood event, then remain in a safe location until you are notified that it is safe to return When you do return:

 Keep children and pets out of the flooded area until cleanup is completed

 Use battery- or crank-powered flashlights if returning at night

 Shut off electrical power and natural gas/propane tanks to avoid fire electrocution or explosions If you smell gas or suspect a leak then turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately Do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark

Notify the gas company or fire department Do not return until you are told it is safe

 Consult your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators

 Avoid downed power lines or wading in standing water

CLEANUP OF HOME AND FLOODWATER

If flood damage is extensive, it is recommended to call a pro-

Creek

From L3

The new method called “plug and spread,” allows them to slow water down spread it out and drop sediment out of it, while largely preserving the surrounding environment, said Alan Haden with Natural Channel Design

“I think we maybe pulled 30 trees, at the most, out of the over 3,000 that we counted here in this work area So we’re pretty happy about that and kind of excited to see how this thing works,” he said

That company, like Tiffany Construction, has been working on county flood mitigation for decades Interestingly, Haden said the method is more commonly used to restore wetlands and meadows Indeed, the technique was used on a section of the Coconino National Forest near Clints Well to do just that in an area that had been impacted by overgrazing

“Obviously we’re trying to [use the technique] for an awful lot more discharge than was ever imagined to do before in the applications So we’ve upped the ante on rock size, we’ve done an awful lot engineering ” Haden said Throughout the area that previously held the Schultz Creek Trailhead, Haden said, they created 13 dams that not only block the channel, but also stretch

fessional If conducting cleanup yourself, adhere to the following:

 Wear goggles mask rubber boots, waterproof gloves, longsleeved shirts and long pants

 Dry out your house using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers

 Remove drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters

 Clean hard surfaces with hot water and detergent, disinfect with a chlorine bleach solution, then rinse with clean water If your home s water system has been contaminated, use bottled or boiled water

 After cleanup wash your hands with soap and clean water

 Wash clothes worn during cleanup and clothes contaminated with flood or sewage in hot water and detergent separate from uncontaminated clothes

 Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOLD

Water damage from a flood can result in mold growth When dealing with mold:

 Keep children, the elderly, people with allergies, breathing conditions, or weakened immune systems away from mold

 Minimize the spread of mold spores by decreasing foot traffic, avoiding rapid movements, and covering moldy objects when removing them

 Make sure the working area is well ventilated

 Removal and cleaning are important; even dead mold may cause allergic reactions

 Refer to the U S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

document: A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home

SAFE WELL WATER

Do not drink water from your well without testing it! Flooding may contaminate your well even if it was not submerged by floodwaters Visit www azhealth gov/ wellwater for information on how to test and disinfect your well

TETANUS SHOTS

If you have been exposed to floodwaters or have suffered an injury related to a flood, obtain a tetanus shot from the County’s Health & Human Services Department or other provider

If you have open cuts or wounds, take extreme precautions when walking through floodwaters to avoid contracting tetanus

MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS

Standing water from flooding can result in an increased risk for mosquito-borne illnesses

The following can help you avoid mosquito bites:

 Empty containers that may hold standing water  Use an EPA-registered insect repellent  Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants

 Maintain intact window and door screens

PRACTICE FOOD SAFETY Floodwaters can contain contaminants ranging from hazardous chemicals to disease-causing pathogens Do not eat any food that has been in contact with floodwaters and be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect any food storage areas, cooking surfaces, or kitchen tools Tightly sealed food, such as canned goods, may be safe for eating after their outer containers have been cleaned and disinfected When in doubt, throw it out

recreation, for wildlife habitat, for everything else ”

Andreani said the plug and spread technique represents a new and important tool in the effort to mitigate post-fire flooding throughout the county one that will likely be used on the other side of Flagstaff within the Government Tank watershed as county officials look to address flooding issues in the area west of State Route 89

Even so, the technique doesn’t eliminate the need for more traditional alluvial fans, she said

“It all comes down to the engineering, really, and what’s prescribed by the [terrain] type itself,” Andreani said “So it can’t be applied everywhere But where it can be, we think it s going to be an important tool in the tool chest

hundreds of feet across the valley floor, reaching up just about a half foot from the natural floor of the valley

Those dams, created by digging a large trench and “Tetris-ing” boulders within it are expected to become nearly invisible within the valley as plants begin to grow back, he said That few inches of height is just enough to impact the flow of the water in the way they need “It pushes water up, spreads it around slows it down and the seals on the side keep it from coming back together and cutting a new [channel] around your structure,” Haden said “If it does work, like the math says it’s going to work, we have a new tool we

can use in less disturbed areas which is going to be really helpful going forward because this is probably not the last fire were going to see ” And that’s a far cry from the appearance of other alluvial fans created by the county for similar purposes Instead traditional infrastructure is reminiscent of a moonscape

“Our normal approach to alluvial fan restoration for post-fire flooding is we grade it all out, take a bulldozer and make our fan surface That’s usually because we don’t have any trees left There all dead, burned sticks, and there’s not a lot of value,” Haden said “On the other hand, there’s a huge amount of trees here for

While last week saw the conclusion of work on the plug and spread infrastructure within Schultz Creek, it just represents the conclusion of the first phase of work within the watershed Andreani said This fall and early this winter, she said, work farther up the creek will begin with the hope of stabilizing slopes and reducing the origin of sediment in the first place

In all the county flood district is expected to spend between $5$6 million on work within the Schultz watershed, one part of about $90 million worth of flood mitigation projects to other areas impacted by the Pipeline Fire

RACHEL GIBBONS ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Large rocks and boulders are piled in a creek bed near the Schultz Creek trailhead as part of the flood district restoration efforts underway in the area

Willard Springs offers free, green-waste-only disposal on Fridays and Saturdays all season long

Emergency Contacts

Police &Fire Emergency:

Fire &FloodCall Center:

Flagstaff City Stormwater Inspector:

CoconinoNational Forest:

Cinder Lake Landfill:

UniSource Energy Services:

ArizonaPublic Service (APS):

LumenTech (CenturyLink):

Optimum (Suddenlink):

PipelineFlood Area Email:

PipelineFlood Webpage:

Museum Flood AreaEmail:

Museum Flood

To learn about available shelters, food assistance, and volunteer opportunities, United Way of Northern AZ: (928) 773-1813

GET READY TO WINTERIZE

oritized on a “greatest impact”

The winter of 2022/2023 was one of the top five snowiest winters on record. The public works snow removal and ice control team worked more than 100 days straight to keep over 700 miles of County roads open and passable through a season that dumped over 13 feet snow on many locations around the County Winter might seem far off right now,but it will be here soon enough

Prepare for snow season using the following tips:

Secure private plowing services now

For County residents living on private roads, one of the most important winter preparation steps is to consider securing professional plowing services now Even if you live on a County-maintained road,a plowing service can clear driveways which is a service not provided by the County

Winter Parking Ordinance in Effect November 1 –

April 1: Don’t Park on County Roads!

„ County Ordinance 2022-06 prohibits motorists from parking on County-maintained roadways between Nov 1 and Apr 1 on a 24-hour basis both to facilitate safer snow removal operations and to help mitigate dangerous snow related traffic congestion and parking issues

„ Residents are asked to park their vehicles five to 10 feet from the roadway to allow ample room for snowplows to pass Please remove all private objects from County right of way such as yard art planters and garbage cans

„ If you have a short-term rental property, then please make sure your guests understand and abide by the winter parking ordinance!

For more information, please visit www coconino.az.gov/WinterParkingOrdinance2022-06

Prepare your Home for Extended Snowstorms

Winter storm events in our County can last several days These storms can cause power outages and significantly hinder travel. In

the event of being stranded by extreme snow it is imperative to have enough supplies at home to weather the storm.

County residents should have all of the following items ready:

„ Working carbon monoxide detectors should be located in all sleeping and common areas Don’t forget the extra batteries!

„ A minimum of three days of non-perishable food and approximately one gallon of water for each family member

„ First aid kit and an extra supply of medication.

„ Personal hygiene supplies, extra clothing,footwear,gloves,blankets and sleeping bags

„ Extra food and water for pets and livestock.

„ Flashlight, extra batteries, candles and a battery-operated radio

„ Alternate heat source, such as kerosene or wood.

„ Full propane tank if applicable

„ Extra set of car keys in addition to cash and credit cards

„ Snow shovels

„ An emergency plan for the entire family Winterize your Vehicle

„ Winterize your vehicle starting in the early fall.

„ Prepare the windshield wipers, battery and snow tires Prepare an emergency kit consisting of tire

chains,blankets,atowstrap,jumper cables a flashlight, water first aid kit, ice scraper, extra clothing and appropriate tools

„ Remember to keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent freezing in the fuel lines

Plan Travel Accordingly

„ Good winter travel planning is critical for the safety of Coconino County residents and visitors alike Stay aware and informed about incoming and ongoing storms through a weather radio or by visiting the National Weather Service website at http://www wrh noaa gov/fgz/

„ Use the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) www az511.gov system for interstate travel information before you leave home.

„ The County encourages all citizens to heed all NWS Winter Storm Watches and Warnings and to stay off the roads as much as possible during a storm. If you must travel, then let someone know your intended route and expected time of arrival.

Did You Know?...

„ Coconino County is one of the snowiest places in the United States? The Flagstaff area alone averages over 100 inches of snow per year, which ranks it among the top 10 snowiest places

„ County snow removal is pri-

basis The main roads (arterials) are plowed first followed by collector and residential streets This allows citizens mobility within the community and keeps emergency services as accessible as possible

Once these routes are cleared, residential roads and cul-de-sacs are plowed

„ Property taxes do not pay for County snow removal or road maintenance operations! Snow removal operations are funded primarily by Prop 403, the County’s Road Maintenance Sales Tax, and also by the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) also known as the state gasoline tax.

„ Coconino County cannot provide plowing services on private roads

„ In the event of an emergency, however the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office can task County plows to help facilitate an emergency response on a private road. If you are experiencing an emergency during a snowstorm (or any other time), call 911!

Snow Event Information

„ Emergencies:

To report snow-related road emergencies, please call 9-1-1. „ County Snow Removal Operations: For County maintained roads, please call Public Works at 928-679-8300 during normal business hours (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

„ City of Flagstaff Snow Removal Operations: If you have questions about snow operations in the City of Flagstaff then please call the Public Works Office at 928-2132100 during normal business hours

„ Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT): For highway road conditions please call 5-1-1 or visit ADOT’s online Traffic Operations Center at www az511.gov

„ National Weather Service (NWS): For weather information about winter storms please visit the NWS web page at wwwweather gov/fgz/WinterWeather

„ Coconino County Sheriff’s Department: 928-774-4523

Staying Safe When the Heat Is On

More than 600 people in the U.S are killed by extreme heat every year, and a warming climate means more chances for heat-related deaths in the future.

Extreme heat, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, occurs when summertime temperatures are much more hot or humid than average Because some areas are hotter than others,what may be extreme heat in North Dakota may not be considered extreme in the desert southwest. It all depends on the average for that climate.

Heat-related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion or heat stroke happen when the body is not able to properlycoolitself Whilethebodynormally cools itself off by sweating, during extreme heat events this may not be adequate to cool yourself down Your tem-

perature will rise faster than your body can cool itself off, eventually causing damage to your brain and other organs

Factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include high humidity, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, alcohol or drug use, and mental illness However, even young, healthy people can be affected if it gets hot enough.

Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention

Some symptoms of heat-related illnesses include:

A heat rash, or a cluster of small blisters, usually in the neck, chest, groin or in the elbow creases Treat it by staying in a cool,dry place and using a topical treatment such as baby powder to soothe the rash.

Sunburn is a painful skin condition that can include blisters on the surface of the skin. You should stay out of the sun until the burn heals Put cool cloths on the sunburn to soothe it,along with moisturizing lotion. Try not to break the blisters as it heals

Heat cramps happen when you sweat a lot during exercise It is characterized by muscle pains or spams Treat it by stop-ping your activity and moving to a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink and wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity Get medical help if your cramps last more than an hour, if you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems

If you’re sweating heavily and have cold, pale skin, you may have heat exhaustion. Other symptoms include a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness;

dizziness; head-ache and fainting. Move to a cooler place immediately and loosen your clothes Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath and sip – don’t gulp – water Seek medical attention if you start throwing up,your symptoms get worse or if your symptoms last longer than an hour

Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness If you suspect that you or someone near you has heat stroke, call 911 right away It s a medical emergency Heat stroke is characterized by a high body temperature of more than 103 degrees; hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache, dizziness and nausea; confusion and passing out. While you’re waiting on medical help, move the person to a cooler place and try to lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.