news & updates
news & updates
Summer brings monsoon season, and storms can develop with little warning. High winds, heavy rain, downed trees and power lines, power outages and flooded streets can occur within minutes, making it important to be prepared before severe weather strikes.
With this being Monsoon Awareness Week in Arizona, Mesa residents are encouraged to have an emergency plan and a disaster kit stocked with essentials such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications and first aid supplies. Pet owners should also prepare emergency supplies for their four-legged friends. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and signing up for emergency alerts throughout the monsoon season.
"Monsoon storms can develop quickly and bring dangerous conditions with little warning, so taking time now to prepare can make a big difference," said Robert Campa, Mesa Emergency Management Director. "We also encourage residents to check on elderly neighbors, family members and others who may need extra assistance before, during and after a storm. A simple phone call or visit can help ensure they have what they need to stay safe."
The elderly and homebound individuals are among the most vulnerable during the monsoon. You can help your older and homebound neighbors by making sure they have sandbags and other supplies available. Also, check to see if they have a backup source for power for medical equipment requiring it or a way to keep refrigerated prescriptions cool during a power outage.
Sand and empty bags are available for Mesa residents at the following locations (bring your own shovel):
•Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive
•Fire Station 208, 4530 E. McKellips Road
•Fire Station 209, 7035 E. Southern Ave.
•Fire Station 212, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road
The Mesa Transportation Department has both pre-filled sandbags and sand and empty bags at the following locations for Mesa residents:
•West Mesa Service Center, 300 E. 6th St. (west side of Transportation Building)
•East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St. (front parking lot)
For additional storm preparation information and a complete list of contact numbers, visit mesaaz.gov/storm.
The City of Mesa also uses X and Facebook to provide updates related to emergency situations. Follow the city on X @cityofmesa and on Facebook at facebook.com/CityofMesa.
NOAA's National Weather Service recently renewed the City of Mesa's StormReady Community certification for another four years. The StormReady program recognizes communities that are prepared for severe weather and flooding and can quickly share accurate, life-saving information with the public. Mesa earned the renewal by continuing to invest in planning, communication and coordination to help keep residents safe before, during and after hazardous weather events.