Maricopa County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Town of Gilbert has joined forces with Maricopa County and other jurisdictions within the Valley to review and update the existing Maricopa County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The first-5 year update was officially adopted by Town Council on October 15, 2015. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the next five-year update was delayed until 2022.  The update was completed, and the plan being officially adopted by the Town Council on February 8, 2022 (Resolution No. 4249).

The goal of this mitigation plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from natural hazard events. Mitigation is not how we respond to emergencies like floods and wildfires, but rather how we as a community might lessen or even prevent the impact of such things in the first place.

The mitigation planning process involves identifying and profiling the natural hazards most likely to occur in a community, assessing the vulnerability to these hazards, and establishing goals, actions, and projects that mitigate the associated risks. The update of this mitigation plan will also ensure the community’s continued eligibility for non-emergency, federal hazard mitigation grants.

View the Maricopa County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan or contact:

Emergency Management Coordinator
Town of Gilbert
480-503-6333

Emergency Services Planner
Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management
602-273-1411

Most Common Local Hazards:

Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Monsoons

Severe thunderstorms with rain, strong winds and/or lightning can occur in the Valley year-round and at all hours, so be prepared.

Monsoon season starts approximately in June and continues through September. Since 2008, the established dates from the National Weather Service are from June 15 through Sept. 30. These dates only suggest the higher possibility of storms, so don't be confused when it doesn't rain between these dates.

Extreme Heat

There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to illness or death. If Gilbert is suffering a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity, you should take steps to protect your safety and health.

Flooding

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. If you are under a flood warning:

• Find safe shelter right away.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If told to evacuate, evacuate immediately,
• Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

Power Outages

A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A major power outage, especially during the summer months, can be dangerous for residents of all ages. 

A power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
• Prevent use of medical devices.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play. 

In the event of a major chemical emergency, listen carefully to radio or television emergency alert stations and follow instructions.

Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant

The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station is the largest producer of clean, carbon-free energy in the nation. Providing energy to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

In the event of an accident involving the actual or potential release of radiation into the atmosphere, citizens should be informed and prepared. If something like this happens, you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of your home can block much of the harmful radiation. Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area. 

Public Health Incidents

Federal, state and county health agencies are monitoring public incidents, seasonal and novel flu viruses that can affect large segments of the population.

Learn how diseases spread to help protect yourself and others. Viruses can be spread from person to person, from a non-living object to a person and by people who are infected but don’t have any symptoms.

Take actions to prevent the spread of disease. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home when sick (except to get medical care). Disinfect surfaces. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Stay six feet away from people who are not part of your household.