FLAGSTAFF — Due to the Museum Fire, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff are preparing the public for a possible flood event in Flagstaff neighborhoods. During this Monsoon season, Coconino County will issue emergency notifications when the U.S. National Weather Service sends out a flash flood warning over the Museum Fire scar, and rain gauges or other notifications let officials know of impending dangerous conditions.
The initial, character limited alert, will read: “Dangerous flood possible. Shelter in place. Get to high ground. Don’t traverse water ways.”
The longer, emailed message will read: “The US National Weather Service has issued a severe flood warning. Dangerous flood waters for those downstream from the Museum Fire scar. People are advised to shelter in place, get to high ground and not to traverse flood waters. Know where your children and pets are and do not let children play in creeks or streams while waters are rising. Please stay safe.”
Officials are asking residents to take the following steps and to ensure they are aware of available services during potential flooding events:
- Streets flood quickly. A car can float in as little as a foot of water. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas. Respect all traffic barricades.
- Please call 911 to report a flooding emergency.
- Do not walk through flowing water. The current in just six inches of water can sweep people off their feet.
- Seek high ground
- Know where your children and pets are and do not let them play near channels, creeks or streams when water is rising.
- Do not leave trash cans, trash, or debris in any area subject to flooding. Items will float in floodwaters and clog storm drains and stream channels.
- Officials encourage residents to purchase flood insurance for the protection of their homes. More information on the purchase of flood insurance is available at www.floodsmart.gov or by contacting their insurance agent.
- A small network of radio-telemetered gauges that transmit rainfall and stream flow information in real-time (as it occurs). Rain gauge data can be found at: www.flagstaff.az.gov/raingauges
- To view forecasts, watches, and warnings issued by the U.S. National Weather Service for northern Arizona, go to: www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/.
People should sign-up for emergency notifications at coconino.az.gov