As monsoon season approaches, there is also the risk of flooding. The Arizona Monsoon season begins on June 15th and ends on September 30th. Monsoon thunderstorms usually produce half of the annual rainfall in central and northern Arizona, resulting in the onset of severe damage and sudden floods, commonly known as flash floods. The Yabapai County Emergency Management Department (YCOEM) and the Yabapai County Flood Control District (YCFCD) want to remind residents to take steps to prepare themselves and their homes for flood events, particularly if residents live in FEMA-designated flood zones or areas with flooding trends.

A punching bag will help protect your home from major flood damage.

Yabapai County residents can fill their sandbags free of charge at any of the 23 sandbags around the county. Don’t forget to take your own shovel to the punching bag filling station as it is not offered. Visit to find your nearest punching bag filling station www.yavapaiready.gov/sandbags.

Here are other ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home:

• We’ll put together an emergency kit for yourself, your family, and your pets.
• Clean the grooves, maintain the trees around the house, inspect and/or repair the roof.
• By going to msc.fema.gov, you will determine whether your home is in a flood zone.
• Don’t try to run through flooded roads: turn around and don’t own.
• Stay tuned for local news and weather for alerts and updates.

Understanding common flooding and weather terminology is essential to know what behaviors to know.

• Flood Advisory: Beware – Flood Advisory is issued when floods are expected, but not sufficient to issue a flood warning. Floods can cause serious inconveniences and, if caution is not used, can lead to situations that can threaten life or property.
• Flood Watch: Be prepared – If conditions are favorable for flooding, a flood watch will be issued. Floods may or may not occur, but they are possible.
• Flood Warning: Take action! – A flood warning will be issued when a flood is imminent or occurs.
• Flash flood: Flash floods are sudden, violent floods that can take minutes to hours to develop. You can experience flash floods in areas that do not receive immediate rain.

Visit for more flood preparation information and tips www.yavapaiready.gov/flood.

For more information about FEMA-designated flood zones and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), click here. www.yavapaiaz.gov/ycflood.

What is Arizona Monsoon? What are the forecasts for 2025? Click here for more information!

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