Maricopa County Emergency Management

What makes emergency preparedness effective? Listening to the community.

Last week, the MCDEM team had the privilege of presenting to the incredible leadership group at For Our City Tempe. We covered topics ranging from go-bags and family emergency plans to Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), but some of the most valuable takeaways came from the discussions afterwards.

The thoughtful questions, lived experiences, and local perspectives shared by attendees highlighted the importance of community-driven preparedness. Conversations like these help us better understand the needs of residents and strengthen our ability to support Tempe before, during, and after emergencies.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such an engaging discussion. Together, we’re building a more informed, prepared, and resilient community. 👏

Thank you to azfamily 3TV CBS 5 for highlighting this important initiative! The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management is proud to partner with Arizona Public Service (APS) and Pano AI to expand Arizona’s wildfire detection network with the installation of additional AI-powered wildfire detection cameras on Thompson Peak near Scottsdale.

These advanced 360-degree cameras use artificial intelligence to identify potential signs of wildfire, including smoke, and quickly alert human operators for verification. Once a potential threat is confirmed, notifications can be sent to local fire agencies, emergency management personnel, and other response partners, helping accelerate situational awareness and response efforts.

Early detection is critical when it comes to wildfires. By leveraging innovative technology and strong public-private partnerships, we are strengthening our ability to protect lives, property, and communities throughout Maricopa County.

Maricopa County deploys AI cameras to detect wildfires early Maricopa County is rolling out new tools that use artificial intelligence to spot fires early, before they grow into bigger, more dangerous problems.

Extreme heat is one of Arizona’s most serious weather hazards, but you don’t have to face it alone. Maricopa County and the State of Arizona provide free resources to help residents stay safe, including cooling centers, hydration stations, heat alerts, transportation assistance, and up-to-date heat data. Whether you're looking for a place to cool off or information to help protect yourself and your loved ones, these tools can make a difference. Stay informed, stay hydrated, and know where to find help when temperatures rise.

To learn more about emergency preparedness in Maricopa County, especially when packing a heat exhaustion kit or go-bag, visit our website at maricopa.gov/ready. 🌞

Protecting and serving is what they do best. Maricopa County Security Services (MCSS) was proud to support this morning’s Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Groundbreaking Ceremony. Our dedicated officers were on site to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in attendance, whether they walked on two legs or four. 🐶

The MCSS team is made up of experienced professionals, many of whom have backgrounds in local law enforcement, public safety, and related fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of those they serve.

Thank you to the men and women of MCSS! 👏