Every day, prepared. Wildfire preparation protects you, the community and first responders.
Please visit aps.com/wildfiresafety for more information
Both the Arizona Daily Sun and Coconino County want to ensure all individuals are prepared in the event of a wildfire, flood or other disaster. In this year’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, we invite you to learn about what you can do, what the community can do and what agencies around Coconino County do to prepare in advance, in addition to how they respond in the event of an emergency.This is especially important in 2022 as we experience an all-tooactive wildfire season that has left burn scars and made neighborhoods all around Coconino County susceptible to flash flooding. Now is the time for all of us to do our part and prepare for any other emergencies that may be on the horizon. Please, review these important materials and take the necessary steps to keep you and your loved ones safe.
• Updating equipment Working with first responders on emergency action plans
Power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect firefighters, which could result in outages that might last longer than usual. Thank you for your understanding. Working together we can be prepared.
Providing you safe reliable energy is our top priority That s why we work year-round to prepare for wildfires by:
The Arizona Daily Sun, in cooperation with Coconino County, which is responsible for managing emergency response and planning, is pleased to publish the third annual Emergency Preparedness Guide. Coconino County is a land of spectacular beauty that o ers unparalleled, year-round enjoyment to both residents and visitors; however, enjoying all that Northern Arizona has to o er 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, prepared and informed before an emergency happens. Emergencies can happen any time, and Coconino County has seen its share of them. As a result, the community is well-equipped to respond; however, it truly takes a team e ort to keep ourselves, our families, our properties and our natural resources protected.
EMERGENCY SPECIALGUIDEPREPAREDNESS2022EDITION
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• Performing visual inspections of lines before and during an outage Managing vegetation and other potential hazards around our equipment
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SET — Be alert Know there is significant danger in your area as soon as this warning is issued. Evacuation could happen at any time after the Set status is declared and, in some cases, with little warning. Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family or friends outside of the a ected area. Grab your emergency go-kit. Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock. Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health o cials. 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 a ected area. If you choose to ignore this advisement, then you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. 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. 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 Flagsta 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.
The Guidance Center – an expanding team of experts available to you 24/7 Call The 24 Hour Crisis Line at (928)
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DAILY SUN Members of the National
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What you can do to be prepared for an emergency Take action now to keep loved ones safe JAKE BACON , ARIZONA DAILY SUN
to the Paradise
RACHEL GIBBONS ,
from the
KNOW
1899. It Only Takes A Moment To Get The Help You Need.
Keep the area around your property clear 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. Follow Coconino County social media pages. Check coconino.az.gov for updates. After an emergency Check with your insurance company to determine whether this type of service is covered by your policy and if the insurer will either accept billing from the restoration company or will reimburse you. Call your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Make sure to thoroughly review all possible insurance claims and don’t sign releases too quickly. Take your time and make sure your agent knows of all your losses, if any, since it may be di cult to recall everything at once. When severe damages occur to buildings, it may be worthwhile to have professionals provide estimates associated with cleaning up costs. READY, GO! ARIZONA Guard stack sandbags onto wooden pallets for the Flagsta and Doney Park communities impacted by flash flooding Monday morning at Coconino County Public Works. As a deluge of monsoon rain Kurt Dawz works alone to up a wall across the driveway of his home Linda Vista directly across from and next Wash before floodwater Museum Fire burn scar came down filled Linda Vista. 527
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The greatest threats within Coconino County 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 preparedness terms and steps that can be taken and summarized in the familiar adage: Ready, Set, Go Here’s everything you need to know about this important phrase: READY — This means prepare now! Be aware of hazards that can threaten your community. Coconino County residents should always be in a state of 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.
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WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL, 7 OVER SEVENTY L2 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2022 ARIZONA DAILY SUNEMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
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Connect with the local Emergency Management o ce, Sheri ’s O ce and public health department on social media. Follow @coconinocounty on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town 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. Start with the five P’s: Papers, Pets, Prescriptions, Pictures and Personal computers. Check in with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY. Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations.
Get real-time news about the threats around you with a weather radio. They connect to a nationwide network of sta tions that broadcast continuously updated information from the nearest office of the National Weather Service. You’ll receive up-to-the-minute infor mation on various hazards, as well as forecasts and more detailed watches andThesewarnings.broadcasts are on every day, all day. And despite their name, NOAA Weather Radios aren’t just for weather: They also share information about unrelated emergencies, including threats to national security, natural or environmental disasters and other pub lic-safety warnings. Just remember to stock up on extra batteries, in case the power goes out.
WEATHER RADIOS
WIRELESS ALERTS Get the latest information sent to any handheld device via Wireless Emergency Alerts from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. These WEAs may be sent by the National Weather Service, local and state offi cials, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or the office of the U.S. president. The Department of Homeland Security has created four categories for the alerts, which arrive as text messages: imminent threat, AMBER, public safety and presidential. Imminent threat alerts share details on active shooters, extreme weather, manmade and natural disasters, and other emergencies. Presidential alerts are only sent during times of national emergen cy. Public safety alerts share informa tion about non-imminent threats or information after a threat has passed. AMBER alerts are urgent messages regarding missing children.
ARIZONA DAILY SUN Sunday, auguSt 7, 2022 L3 001 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS | SURVIVAL BASICS
Thankfully, we have far more infor mation now in advance of these poten tially catastrophic events, giving people time to plan and prepare — and then, if needed, to move to a safer place. Here’s how to stay informed.
© ADOBE STOCK SURVIVAL BASICS STAYING INFORMED coconino.az.gov/ready bit.ly/3PiZ7j5 Emergency inf orm at ion at y o u r f i nger t i p s Be familiar with the Ready, Set, Go! system and always be in a state of “ready”. Learn more at ein.az.gov/ready-set-go CI T Y OF FL AGS TA F F
Staying Informed Emergency
GET SOCIAL Believe it or not, social media isn’t just for cat photos and Wordle competi tions. In fact, it’s become an increasing ly popular method to share information about emergencies and natural disas ters. Emergency management officials and first responders now use various online platforms to provide the latest updates and news when disaster strikes. So, be sure to follow area government agencies — as well your hometown news outlets — on Facebook, Twitter and other networks to get more local information about what’s happening as it’s happening. threats traditionally led to more devastation than they should have because were too often caught unaware.
GUIDANCETHECENTER
Improving Community
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS A wildfire burns on the outskirts of Flagsta on June 13. ASSOCIATED PRESS SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS WITH COCONINO COUNTY SO YOU CAN STAY INFORMED AND SAFE BY GETTING NOTIFIED DIRECTLY ON YOUR PHONE. Coconino.az.gov/ready
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DEVON FOREST CEO, The Guidance Center In our northern Arizona communities, 2022 has had its share of crises. For the first time in our region’s history, fast-moving wildfires burned more than 100 structures, including homes. Rainfall on the burn scars continues to bring rocks, mud, flooding, and other debris into our neighborhoods. All this comes after more than two years of adjusting to life during a pandemic, and the anxiety and adversity that have accompanied COVID-19. At The Guidance Center, meeting the needs of community members in crisis is a part of what we do every day. While many people are surprised to learn we have a 16-bed inpatient psychiatric hospital on our Flagsta campus, many neighbors have found these services to be a critical first stop on a path to recovery. Our facilities at 2187 N. Vickey Street in Flagsta , and surrounding campus, have been recently updated. These upgrades allow us to o er even more services to the community including telemedicine, integrated care and expanded outpatient services. Along with our inpatient and outpatient mental health services, our children’s and family programs support many residents. The Guidance Center delivers mental health services in schools, in homes and throughout our community. Individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorders are welcomed to participate in our Applied Behavior Analysis services, including counseling and caregiver support.Another meaningful part of our mission is assisting individuals living with substance use disorders. Through our residential and outpatient programs, and with our expanding team of experts, we support people along their paths to mental and physical wellness. This spring, when Coconino County set up an Assistance Center for people impacted by wildfires, our campus proved to be an ideal location. As a community partner focused on addressing and responding to neighbors experiencing crises, we at The Guidance Center were grateful for the opportunity to assist residents who sought crisis services or emergency supplies.TheGuidance Center is available as a resource for anyone who needs us. Our passion to be of service to our community has guided us for the past 53 years and will continue to be our focus for decades to come. Outcomes
001 Expanded inpatient and outpatient services include: 24-hour Crisis care, including stabilization and observation A newly remodeled 16-bed, inpatient psychiatric hospital A complete continuum of inpatient and outpatient mental health services Individual and group therapy Children’s and family programs School-based services Autism Spectrum Disorder education and services, including Applied Behavioral Analysis Outpatient and Residential Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Residential Treatment for individuals living with serious mental illness In-person and Telemedicine service options 2187 N Vickey Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 527-1899 (888) 681-1899 tgcaz.org We are here when you need us.
Safety tips for outdoor recreation from the Coconino County Sheri ’s O ce OF COCONINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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 Sheri ’s O ce 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 air 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
Members of the Coconino County Sheri ’s O ce Search and Rescue Unit at work.
The Coconino County Sheri ’s O ce 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.
COURTESY
The Coconino County Sheri ’s O ce Search and Rescue has added another very important teaching concerning lightning. This is especially important during Arizona’s annual monsoon season. 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, cover your ears and stay in that position 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!
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 Hug-A-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. Stu 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, bright green and blue makes it easier for searchers to spot you, even if you are in a shaded area. Waving your bright colored jacket will help 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 one even if hiking during the day and make sure the batteries are charged. Stay safe during monsoon season
L6 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2022 ARIZONA DAILY SUN 001 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
STAY SAFE OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER
JAKE BACON Monsoon clouds gather over the San Francisco Peaks as rain falls on Doney Park in July 2017.
For longer than Arizona’s statehood, APS has prioritized providing reliable energy to the state’s growing population. Historically, our crews have prepared for northern Arizona’s harshest winter weather, ensuring lineworkers and outage restoration equipment are ready to respond to severely snowy conditions. Today, APS crews across the state must also prepare for a much bigger, unpredictable threat to the grid—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 e ective 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. APS 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 which 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 theInlines.case of an unplanned outage in high fire risk locations, and in Wildland Urban Interface zones, our crews proactively inspect the impacted overhead power lines before reenergizing. The intent of the inspection is to prevent a hazardous condition with energized equipment that could spark a potential fire. Depending on the location of the line and the terrain in which APS crews may have to patrol, sometimes on foot, the length of the outage may be longer than during times of lower fire risk conditions. While we understand that any disruption of power is a major inconvenience to customers, these protocols put the safety of first responders, communities and field crews above the priority of providing reliable energy. To prepare for outages, we encourages customers to update their contact information on their account to receive notifications on outages at their property. In addition, customers can download the APS mobile app or visit aps.com/outagemap to access our real-time Outage Map. The Outage Map provides the most up-tothe-minute details on the location of an outage, cause of an outage and estimated time of restoration. In the case of a public safety emergency or prolonged power outage, Red Cross emergency shelter and ice reimbursement information can also be found on the Outage 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.
Additional resources and information on how we prepare and respond to wildfires are available at aps.com/wildfiresafety.
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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.
L8 | Sunday, auguSt 7, 2022 Special Section 2 001
Sign up for Coconino County emergency alerts at coconino.az.gov/ready
Check and prepare landscaping and windows for rainfall/wind risks. Prepare an emergency kit in case of flooding or power outages.
Emergency Contacts: We Need Your Help: Easements on Private Land are Your Responsibility For street or right-of-way flooding concerns, please call Public Works: (928) 213-2100 If you are experiencing a flood emergency at home, call 911 If you have flooding concerns, or to report fallen trees, blockages, and debris flowing down streets, call (928) 213-2400 Water Services' after hours emergency line is (928) 774-0262 City Flood Mitigation Efforts
The City of Flagstaff operates a network of radio-telemetered rain gauges that transmit rainfall and streamflow data in real time (as it occurs). They monitor and document rainfall and possible flooding events. You can view data from these gauges and learn more about the system at flagstaff.az.gov/4111/Rainfall-andStream-Gauge-Data.
An easement is the legal right for the City to use private land for public services Water Services has easements on land throughout the city for the following purposes: Water and sewer pipes Water meters and manholes drainages and channels Keep Drainages and Channels Clear of Debris Drainages and channels on private property must stay clear and free of debris. Fences and debris become barricades and can lead to flooding on adjacent properties. You may be legally liable for damages.
Streets flood quickly! A car can float in as little as a foot of water. Do not attempt to cross flooded waters. Respect all traffic barricades. Know where your children are at all times, and do not let them play near channels, creeks, or streams when water is rising.
If you live or own property in the Museum or Pipeline Flood areas, be aware that your property will remain at high-risk for post-wildfire flooding for several years. Learn more at museumfloodprojects.com and flagstaff.az.gov/PipelineWest
A Checklist for Flood Preparedness
The Stormwater Section maintains 122 miles of open channel for native ecosystems and flood control. The Section includes engineers, hydrologists, and planners that work with multiple agencies and organizations on reducing local flooding issues. Left: Mini-Dozer cleaning out Cedar Avenue Culvert along Spruce Wash, 2021 Right: July 2022 channel improvements on Spruce Avenue Wash
Make sure that the sandbags placed to protect your property do not negatively impact your neighbors. Find sandbag locations and more information at coconino.az.gov/2134/Sandbag-Information
Contact your property insurance agent to see if a flood insurance policy would help you. Talk to the Stormwater Section about protecting your house or business from flood damage: (928) 213-2102
Be sure that surrounding drainages and channels are clear and free of debris. Fences and debris become barricades and can lead to flooding on adjacent properties. To report drainage and debris issues, call (928) 213-2400 Properly recycle used motor oil never place it in the trash, on the ground, or down storm drains
The City of Flagstaff is Preparing for Monsoon Season Are You Ready? View Rainfall and Stream Gauge Data
Snowplowing Each
Coconino County Flood Control District: Investing in Post-Wildfire Communities The Coconino County Flood Control District (District) is charged with reducing the risk of flood loss; minimizing the impact of floods on human safety, health, and welfare, and restoring and preserving the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains. Ideally, the District accomplishes these goals through long-term, preemptive projects like forest restoration. During and after events like the Pipeline Fire, however, the District’s role shifts to emergency response to help mitigate the threat of post-wildfire flooding in downstream neighborhoods. For more information, please visit SchultzPipelineFloodArea.www.coconino.az.gov/ winter, Coconino County Public Works is tasked with 1,000
keeping almost
miles of paved and gravel county roads open and passable during a snow season What the county can do to PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Please see COUNTY, Page L10 Police and Fire Emergency: 911 COVI D-19 Call Center: (928) 679-7300 Fire and Flood Call Center: (928) 679-8525 Flagstaff City Stormwater Inspector: (928) 814-6346 Coconino National Forest: (928) 527-3600 Cinder Lake Landfill: (928) 527-1927 American Red Cross: (928) 779-5494 UniSource Energy Services: (928) 525-8103 Arizona Public Service (APS): (800) 253-9405 CenturyLink: (800) 573-1311 SuddenLink Communications: (928) 774-5336 Pipeline Flood Area Email pipelinefirefloodarea@coconino.az.gov Pipeline Flood Webpage: www.coocnino.az.gov/2926/schultzpipeline-flood-area Museum Flood Email: museumfloodinfo@coconino.az.gov Museum Flood Webpage: coconino.az.gov/museumfire/floodarea Coconino County Website: coconino.az.gov Flagstaff City Website: flagstaff.az.gov Coconino National Forest Website fs.usda.gov/coconino For marriage/ divorce records, call your County records department. For Social Security Card information, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
This season Willard Springs Green Waste Site is again o ering free green waste-only disposal to help residents prepare for wildfire season by removing brush, pine needles, and woody debris to create defensible spaces around their homes. Please note that Willard Springs has permanently transitioned to a green waste-only facility and no longer accepts bulk or household waste. Located about 14 miles south of Flagsta just west of Interstate 17 at Exit 326, the Willard Springs Green Waste Site is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. until the last Saturday in October. The last load of green waste is accepted through the gate at 4:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/WillardSprings. For information about green waste cleanup events, please visit www. coconino.az.gov/CleanupEvents.
COCONINO COUNTY, COURTESY Coconino County holds the emergency management function in the region. This means, the county works with jurisdictions, private companies, utilities and residents to respond to emergencies, mitigate their impacts, and prevent them from occurring whenever possible. Here’s a brief look at what exactly that entails: Willard Springs o ers free green waste-only disposal all season
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The District invested over $31 million in Schultz Flood mitigation projects between 2011 and 2015. Crews are currently working to repair some of the on-forest sed iment reduction measures that were damaged in the Tunnel and Pipeline fires. For more information on these projects please SchultzFloodMitigation.www.coconino.az.gov/visit
Schultz MitigationFlood
L10 | Sunday, auguSt 7, 2022 ARIZONA DAILY SUN 001 that routinely runs from November through April. Emergency response and planning
The CommunitiesWildfire-ResilientProgram:WildfireCommunityDefenseBuilding
The County’s Emer gency Management Team anticipates and reacts to emergency situations throughout the county. Throughout the year, the team plans and prepares to respond to everything from fires and floods to train derailments and other in cidents. Emergency Man agement also works to have plans and funding available to help following an emer gencyEmergencyevent. Management closely monitor the indices that detail moisture and fuels condition and coor dinates closely with the nearby national forest and the Arizona Department of Forest and Fire Manage ment. Flood Control District Projects Sediment reduction, ero sion control, and long-term flood mitigation measures are critical for the Museum Flood Area. Without a re duction invery high levels of sediment, any expansion of downstream floodwater conveyances would not be effective at reducing the level of floodwater impact ing homes. Museum Flood Area Since 2019, the District invested over $6 million on emergency flood mitiga tion measures, emergency response, and long-term sediment reduction projects in the Museum Flood Area. This spring the District in stalled two critical sediment reduction measures be low the Museum Fire burn scar: the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)-funded Museum Fire Sediment Reduction Project, which is located on USFS land above and below Mt. Elden Estates, and the Natural Resources Con servation Service (NRCS)funded Emergency Wa tershed Protection Project (EWPP) to reduce sediment production and transport on private and municipal lands.These measures will re duce the production and transport of sediment by restoring and stabilizing the alluvial fans and chan nels, in effect advancing the natural watershed res toration of a portion of the flood-damaged watershed. For more information about theseprojects and City of Flagstaff mitigation proj ects, please visit Fire/FloodArea.conino.az.gov/Museumwww.co
Because the threat of wildfire does not end where public lands stop, the Dis trict is currently exploring potential partnerships to leverage new Community Wildfire Defense Grant Pro gram funding to reduce the wildfire danger on private lands within County com munities. Recently autho rized and funded through the IIJA, this program of fers a estRestoration.www.coconino.az.gov/Forinformation,communities.towardscomprehensivecomponentandmeasureswildfireopportunityonce-in-a-lifetimetoimplementrisk-reductiononprivatelandswillbeafundamentaloftheCounty’sapproachsafeguardingitsFormorepleasevisit County From L9 Willard Springs offers free green-waste-only disposal all season
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COCONINO COUNTY Long-term sediment reduction project in the Museum Flood area
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
COURTESY OF COCONINO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PREVENTIONCOVID-19
Register to help your friends and neighbors through for Your Communityfor Your StepCommunityUp United Way of Northern Arizona Once you register, you’ ll be able to contribute to your community in a wide variety of ways: • Emergency Assistance Centers • Building Sandbags • Clearing Wildfire Debris • KinderCamp™ Welcome & Bridging Over Ceremony • Representing UWNA at Events Have a hear t for volunteering? Plus we'll connect you with other organizations with on-going volunteer oppor tunities, such as: Flagstaff Family Food Center, Food Bank & Kitchen • Flagstaff Shelter Ser vices • Catholic Charities Tynker topia • Sun Sounds • St. Mary's Food Bank • American Red Cross uwna.volunteerhub.com Questions? Please call United Way of Nor thern Arizona at 928.773-9813. Thank you for LIVING UNITED
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There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection of COVID-19 and reduce the possibility of spreading it to others. Following these precautions can protect you and others from illness: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you’re not able to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. Keep at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and oth ers when you’re in indoor public spaces if you’re not fully vaccinated. Get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19, which can results in severe illness and even death. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free! If you’re feeling ill or showing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and stay home.
EMERGENC HEADQUAR OPEN EVERY WEEK
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L12 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2022 ARIZONA DAILY SUN 001 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EM ERGE NCY H EADQUAR TE R S OPEN EVERY WEEKEND
Protectingpetsandlivestock We are your PET
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JAKE BACON , ARIZONA DAILY SUN Volunteers at the Coconino Humane Association lead a Shetland pony out of a horse trailer to a waiting stall. Animals being evacuated from the Tunnel Fire were brought to the Humane Association waiting for the fire to be contained.
Don’t forget your animals in emergency plans
PETS Take your pets with you if you must evacuate and listen to Emergency Notifications. Pets should wear a collar or harness, as well as an identification tag. Dogs specifically must wear a license and rabies tags. In the event of an evacuation, make sure to bring the following: Pet food and water Food and water dishes Medications Collapsible cage or carrier Leash Comforting toys or treats Litter, litter pan, litter scoop Plastic bags for clean-up For more information, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/PetEvacPreparedness
JAKE BACON , ARIZONA DAILY SUN A goat looks out of the back of Davis Bedient’s pickup truck on the way to becoming his foster goat at the Coconino Humane Association. ’S Thur sday 5pm Tuesday 8am hour s Tuesday 5pm to 8am Wed 5pm to 8am 1110 E. Rt. 66 Flagstaff, Az (Above Concentra (928) 779-5522 ’S Thur sday 5pm Tuesday 8am 24 Tuesday 5pm to 8am Wed 5pm to
Keep halters ready for your horses. The halters should have the name of the horse, your name, your telephone number and another emergency telephone number where someone can be reached. 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 horses are comfortable with being loaded onto a trailer. If your horses are unaccustomed to being loaded onto a trailer, then practice the procedure to ensure they’re able to reliably and safely load up. Here are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself today: Does a neighbor or family 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? Do you have a plan for evacuating your large and small farm animals? Do your horses 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 medications and do you have a copy of medical records available? Are your animals microchipped? When was the last time you double checked that your pet record has your correct contact information? Do you have a list of contact 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. Have you signed up for Code Red to be notified of emergencies in your area? It is important to always have a plan for your family, including your pets!
CY AR TE R S mmEKENDuntil-24 We are your PET
8am OPEN ON ALL HOLIDAYS 24 HOURS INCLUDING LABOR DAY! CT SCANS AVAILABLE ON THE SPOT!
P ets are a part of our family — and they should also be a part of your emergency plan. Please don’t forget to plan ahead for your companion pets and farm animals when it comes to evacuations or other crises. If animals are a part of your daily lives, then they should also be part of your emergency planning.
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JAKE BACON , ARIZONA DAILY SUN
LIVESTOCK Disaster preparedness is important for all animals, but it is particularly important for animals like horses, cows, goats and other farm animals due to their unique size and transportation needs. Make arrangements in advance to have your horse trailer in case of an emergency. Know where you can take your horses in an emergency evacuation. Plan with a friend or another horse owner to stable your horses if needed. In the case of an evacuation, Flagsta will typically open up a shelter for large animals. Contact your local animal care and management agency for information about shelters in your area. Inform friends and neighbors of your evacuation plans. Post detailed instructions in several places, such as the barn o ce, so everyone knows what to expect. Place your horses’ vital information in a watertight envelope and keep in a safe place. This should include such as veterinary papers and details about medications.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR Burns are most people’s principal con cern. But that’s not the real danger from a house fire. Instead, the U.S. Fire Admin istration says asphyxiation is the leading cause of death — by a ratio of three-toone. Smoke and heat from a house fire typically reach places that the flames never do, and that can endanger people in every corner of the structure. The air can be so hot that it sears sensitive lung tissue, and it may also be carrying dan gerous gases that can cause drowsiness or disorientation.
No home can be fire proofed, but there are things you can do to make it more fireInstallresistant.smoke alarms in every room to provide an early warning. Invest in a handy fire extinguisher; they might make the difference between quick ly containing a small fire and suffering a huge loss. Consider using fire doors, which can keep flames and smoke con tained long enough for you and your loved ones to escape. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance. Use a screen that’s heavy enough to stop a rolling log, and wide enough to catch any flying sparks. Be sure all fires are completely out before leaving. New fire-resistant carpets can also protect your home far more than wool or synthetics, which actually accelerate a fire.
GUARDING AGAINST DANGER No home can be fire proofed, but there are things you can do to make it more fire resistant. Install smoke alarms in every room to provide an early warning. Invest in a handy fire extinguisher; they might make the difference between quickly con taining a small fire and suffering a huge loss. Consider using fire doors, which can keep flames and smoke contained long enough for you and your loved ones to escape. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, keep up with regularly sched uled maintenance. Use a screen that’s heavy enough to stop a rolling log, and wide enough to catch any flying sparks. Be sure all fires are completely out before leaving. New fire-resistant carpets can also protect your home far more than wool or synthetics, which actually accelerate a fire. Please remember to Spay and Neuter to your pets to help prevent pet overpopulation, but if you have an unexpected litter the COCONINO HUMANE ASSOCIATION can help!
We have been your Pet Adoption Headquarters for 65 years! COCONINO HUMANE ASSOCIATION 3501 E Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 526-1076 Donation Form Spay, Neuter & Emergency Medical Fund. P.O. Box 66 • Flagstaff, AZ 86002 (928) 526-1076 Name: Address: Phone: Amount enclosed: Visa MasterCard Exp. Your Donation is greatly appreciated.* Always Accepting Donations - Check our Website for what we need! Volunteers Always Welcome! Low Cost Vaccine Clinics Offered! Spay/Neuter Clinics Emergency Response Services Your Local Emergency Response Service! Thank You Volunteers!
CAUSES OF HOUSE FIRES Use extra caution around your kitchen, where most house fires tend to start. Other common causes, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, are sparks from fireplaces, improperly discarded smoking materials, bad wiring and malfunctioning appliances, among other things.
AGAINSTGUARDINGDANGER
© ADOBE STOCK
asphyxiation is the leading cause of death — by a ratio of three-to-one. Smoke and heat from a house fire typically reach places that the flames never do, and that can endan ger people in every corner of the structure. The air can be so hot that it sears sensitive lung tissue, and it may also be carrying dangerous gases that can cause drowsiness or disorientation.
DANGERS AT HOME THINK FIRE SAFETY FIRST
ADOBE STOCK
ARIZONA DAILY SUN Sunday, auguSt 7, 2022 L13 001 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS | DANGERS AT HOME
Thousands of Americans die, and tens of thousands are injured each year in home fires
Property loss directly resulting from these fires totals billions annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These emergency situations require quick action, the kind that only follows careful advance planning. Fires can spread through a home in a matter of minutes, making it difficult to develop a course of action on the fly. Many fires also occur when familiar are sleeping at night, and those who haven’t worked out a plan may find themselves too disoriented as they awake to make good decisions. The results can be catastrophic.
hink Fire Safety First
L14 | Sunday, auguSt 7, 2022 ARIZONA DAILY SUN 001 Largest wildfires 1985-2021 by acres burned UNITED STATES NAME STATE YEAR ACRES unnaMEd KS 2006 1,183,539 august Complex Ca 2020 1,032,648 dixie Ca 2021 963,309 unnaMEd KS 2009 800,724 nW Oklahoma Complex OK 2017 779,292 unnaMEd KS 2009 765,550 OKS - Starbuck OK 2017 662,700 East amarillo Complex tX 2006 593,364 MuRPHy COMPLEX Id 2007 567,409 nORtH FORK Wy 1988 565,116 ARIZONA NAME STATE YEAR ACRES WaLLOW aZ 2011 563,664 ROdEO aZ 2002 461,774 CaVE CREEK COMPLEX aZ 2005 246,143 HORSESHOE 2 aZ 2011 226,079 Bush aZ 2020 193,455 telegraph aZ 2021 180,757 Woodbury aZ 2019 123,875 Bighorn aZ 2020 119,978 WILLOW aZ 2004 118,494 aSPEn aZ 2003 79,707 SOuRCES: Monitoring trends in Burn Severity data from 1984-2019; national Fire and aviation Management situation report summary data from 2020; national Interagency Coordination Center Wildland Fire Summary and Statistics annual Reports; united States department of agriculture Forest Service “Living With Fire” brochure; associated Press BYWILDFIRESTHENUMBERS 2022 wildfires snapshot 38,579 total wildfires 5,585,727 acres burned 8,154 Personenel assigned ASSOCIATED PRESS In this June 10, 2011 file photo, a forest burns during a backburn operation to fight the Wallow Fire in nutrioso, ariz. Acres burned since 1985 total wildfires in the u.S. 1985-2021 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 12 MILLIOn 10 MILLIOn 8 MILLIOn 6 MILLIOn 4 MILLIOn 2 MILLIOn0 ASSOCIATED PRESS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Protect Yourself from Wildfires and Prescribed Bur n Smoke Wildfire and prescribed bur n smoke can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and/or throat, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Coconino County Health and Human Services recommends taking steps to decrease risks from wildfire and prescribed bur n smoke. • Reduce or avoid outdoor activities when smoke is present. • Stay alert to health war nings related to smoke. • If advised to stay indoors, keep your windows and doors closed. • Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution such as using a fireplace. • Contact your health provider if you become ill.
Did you know that we live in one of the snowiest places in the United States? The Flagsta area alone averages about 102 inches of snow per year, which ranks it among the top 10 snowiest places. Winter might seem far now, but it will be here soon enough. Prepare for snow season using the following tips: Secure plowing services now Coconino County cannot provide plowing services on private roads. 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 road, a plowing service can clear windrows and driveways, which is a service not provided by the county. Don’t park on county roads County Ordinance 2017-11 prohibits motorists from parking on county roadways between Nov. 1 and April 1 on a 24-hour basis. 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. Prepare your home for extended snow storms Winter storm events in our county can last several days. These storms can cause power outages and significantly hinder travel. In the event of a 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, snow tires, battery and snow tires. Prepare an emergency kit consisting of tire chains, blankets, a tow strap, 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 Usehttp://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/.theArizonaDepartmentof 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 warning and to stay o 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.
86004 928-635-4272 | 220 W Grant Ave, W illiams, AZ 86046 Your LocaL MentaL HeaLtH and WeLLness resource! It ’ s over whelming when your life is turned upside down from a natural disaster, or other emergenc y situation. The G uidance Center offers mental health ser vices when you need it. We are here for you! TGC wishes to thank all those in our communit y who suppor t our mission. We are grateful to be par t of this wonder ful communit y that comes together to find solutions in assisting our neighbors dur ing difficult times.
DAILY SUN Prepare now to stay safe this winter 928-527-1899 | 2187 N. V ickey S t, F lagstaff,
RACHEL GIBBONS , ARIZONA AZ
ARIZONA DAILY SUN SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2022 L15 001 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
• Keep grass, weeds, trees and shrubs trimmed. Dispose of trimmings and trash properly Get emergency alerts through local resources and visit ein.az.gov to create an emergency preparedness plan.
Wildfire preparation protects you, the community and first responders.
Special Section 2 001
• Sign up for outage alerts and view our interactive outage map at aps.com/outagecenter Have flashlights, batteries, a portable cell phone charger and water handy Please visit aps.com/wildfiresafety for more information.
Providing you safe, reliable energy is our top priority That s why we work year-round to prepare for wildfires by updating equipment, working with first responders on emergency action plans, performing visual inspections of lines before and during an outage and managing vegetation and other potential hazards around our equipment. Power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect firefighters, which could result in outages that might last longer than usual. Working together we can be prepared. Here are some things you can do:
